Africa and Sustainable Prosperity: Mail & Guardian

Sustainable economic growth in Africa requires a focus on environmental protection, maintaining clean water and fertile soil. “Six of the world’s fastest growing economies are African,” explains Joyce Msuya of the UN Environment Programme. “The continent is urbanising rapidly, and governments are working to provide the infrastructure, skills and policy to drive growth and development. But unless we protect the life-support system that is our environment, we risk leaving the younger generation an unsustainable, inequitable and unhealthy future.” Africa must consider concerns about biodiversity, natural resources and climate change even as its population is expected to double by 2050. Illegal activities in mining, logging or wildlife trade should be stopped. Msuya argues the most effective protections are collaborative projects that cover large areas. The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment offers blueprints. – YaleGlobal