Africa: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources.
Sustainable management of natural resources in Africa is essential to reduce environmental degradation and encourage adaptation to climate change.
Africa needs to rethink how it manages its natural resources to avoid adverse socioeconomic consequences that could harm sustainable development on the continent, argued experts who participated in a recent seminar organized by the African Development Bank ( AfDB ).
The appeal came on the eve of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled for November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The global conference (COP28) represents a landmark moment in which the world will assess its progress on the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable management of natural resources in Africa is essential to reduce environmental degradation and encourage adaptation to climate change.
The African Development Bank organized the webinar with the support of the International Resource Panel and the World Resources Forum Secretariat. Participants shared challenges and good practices on the assessment of natural resources.
Merlyn Van Voore, Head of the International Resource Panel Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, said the world is struggling with a lack of adequate tools and frameworks to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.
“There are overlaps between the management of natural resources and what that means in relation to the climate and the sustainable development agenda,” he said.
The manufacturing of electronic products requires attention. For example, end-of-life mobile phones require the involvement of multiple actors, including manufacturers, workers and extractive companies, end users and network providers, to manage the recycling of used mobile phones.
Dr. Vanessa Ushie, Acting Director of the African Center for Natural Resources Management and Investment at the African Development Bank, said Africa and the world are facing a nature crisis.
Citing the African Development Bank's African Economic Outlook 2023 report, Ushie said that natural resources, including renewable energy and ecosystem services, generate about 62% of Africa's GDP.
“Nature is providing essential goods and vital services, and these are not just economic values, but also ecological, biophysical and environmental values. Without fully appreciating these services, we tend to underestimate the value of natural capital,” said Ushie.
Dr. Hans Bruyninckx, former executive director of the European Environment Agency, said sustainable resource management must be elevated in Africa and in economies around the world.
“This is important for everyone on this planet, given the deeply unequal distribution of costs and benefits as we do it today, particularly in the African context.”
Historically, Bruyninckx said Africa has been an exporter of resources, but in a deeply unsustainable way. Bruyninckx stated that in the future, the continent is expected to play a significant role in the energy transition and information technologies that the world depends on for smart solutions.
But, even more so, for its social development and people's well-being.
Picture: © 2023 DR
