African Ministerial Conference on Environment convenes in Tanzania

The 14th session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) began in Tanzania this week with calls on member countries to act on emergent environment challenges.

Tanzanian Vice President Mohammed Gharib Bilal delivered a keynote address to the Conference and said Africa should move away from conventional responses to climate change to improved methods of production accompanied by effective policies.

Underlining the importance of increased public awareness, he said that achieving sustainable development by focusing on the green economy and would lead to higher rates of employment as well as economic growth.

As Tanzania assumes the chair of AMCEN till the next biennial session, Bilal assured Africa of the country’s commitment to continue working with all partners in addressing the environmental challenges.

Meanwhile, the Conference outgoing chair, Mali’s Energy and Environment Minister, David Sagara, described the outcome of the Rio+20 UN meeting held in Brazil in June 2012 as a window of opportunity that allows Africa to embark on ideal approaches in a holistic manner.

Sagara said Africa should consolidate its position in future talks on global climate change and its impact on the continent.

Hopes were raised that the meeting will produce strategies for developing Africa's preparations for the upcoming UN Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Qatar in November to December 2012.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner, noted that AMCEN has played a significant role in Africa’s contribution to climate change negotiations.