UNEP Deputy Chief Calls for Measures to Protect Africa's Natural Resources

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At a retreat of the AU Executive Council, UNEP Deputy Executive Director, Ibrahim Thiaw discussed fighting illegal trade in wildlife with African Foreign Ministers. He called for better protection of Africa's abundant wildlife and natural capital as a way to realize the African Union's (AU) ambitious Agenda 2063.

Speaking at the retreat of the AU Executive Council in Mekelle, Ethiopia, Mr. Thiaw told African Ministers of Foreign Affairs that the value of illegal trade in wildlife and timber on the continent nearly equals the global Official Development Aid (ODA) to Africa.

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He said that “environmental crime in any form has become an international business” and that “Africa's unrivaled wealth of natural resources proportionately attracts the tentacles of many criminal networks that reach deep into the continent.”

“Nowhere on earth can touch this amazing continent for the scale and diversity of natural resources, with: 10% of the world's freshwater reserves,17% of its forests, and almost a quarter of its plant and mammal species, 10% of known global oil reserves and Africa's mineral potential remains grossly under-explored. So this should be an unrivaled natural treasure chest for the people of Africa.”

Considering the huge economic benefit that African countries owe to eco-tourism, ecosystem services and sustainable harvesting of natural resources, Mr. Thiaw called for urgent actions to achieve sustainable ecosystem management in the region. Stating that “natural resources hold an extraordinary key to a better and more secure future for countries right across Africa,” he urged the African Ministers to assume an active role in addressing this issue, especially by integrating wildlife conservation into African diplomacy.

The Chairperson of African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomed his idea and advised to consider an inclusive and participatory approach to wildlife conservation that includes and actively engages local communities.

Source: http://bit.ly/1WNo31n                                     

Full speech Ibrahim Thiaw: http://bit.ly/1RMWfKV