Sharp decline in Africa’s biodiversity--AfDB,WWF raise concern
Amid a steep decline in biodiversity in Africa, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have said the decline reflects a degradation of the natural systems upon which Africa’s current and future prosperity depends.
A joint report by the AfDB and WWF says Africa’s biodiversity has declined by 40% in 40 year.
The report noted that this decline is in addition to rapid population growth and increasing prosperity are changing consumption patterns.
As a result, the report said “Africa’s ecological footprint”—the area needed to generate the resources consumed by a given group or activity – has been growing steadily, with the continent's total ecological footprint “is set to double by 2040.”
“The report is intended to catalyze decision-makers to invest in Africa’s sustainable development and is being presented at Rio+20 at an event organized by the AfDB and WWF and hosted by the Senegalese government” according to a press release from the organizations.
AfDB and WWF have pledged their commitment “to supporting countries in Africa in transitioning towards a future of sustainable develop ment – with healthy people thriving on a healthy planet.”
Speaking on the outcome of the Rio+20 conference for Africa at the weekend, AfDB President, Donald Kaberuka commended African countries for coming forward with their own green plan and urged the continent to learn from the experience of Brazil.
Kaberuka also spoke of the strong connection between G-20 and the just ended Rio+20.
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