Africa marks Environment Day

Accra, March 3, GNA- Africa Environment Day, a day aimed at creating awareness among communities on their roles in changing attitude toward environment issues, was marked in Accra on Wednesday.

The Day is also to develop partnership that will ensure that nations and their people enjoy better life.

A statement signed by Mr.E.O. Nsenkyire, said the objective of the Day, which is the second after its inception in 2002, is intended to examine ways of protecting the environment, sensitise populations and promote exchange of information among African countries on environmental issues.

It is on the theme: "Promoting NEPAD by fostering implementation of its environment initiative."

The statement noted that Africa is the only region in the world where poverty is expected to rise during this century, if adequate measures are not urgently taken, adding that two-thirds of the 48 countries included on the list of Least Developed Countries are in Africa.

The statement quoted a UNEP report, which points out that the increase in AIDS, high level of national debt, natural disasters, pollution and uncontrolled expansion are likely to worsen Africa's plight.

" A coherent, strategic and long-term programme of action to promote Africa's sustainable development.

This, according to the statement, is explicit in NEPAD's emphasis about measures that will ensure that the continent is able to confront its short-term economic growth challenges without losing sight of the long-term environmental, poverty eradication and social development imperatives.

The statement called for a conscious effort to practice energy-saving techniques, stop littering, re-use and recycle products, avoid environmentally hazardous goods and wasteful packaging, and ensure a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

"The environmental challenges we face require new thinking and vision. There is an urgent need for all stakeholders within Africa and globally, to act coherently in order to meet the challenges," the statement said.