NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) has urged robust financing to boost implementation of a continental green recovery program.
Barbara Creecy, president of AMCEN said that financial support towards the African Green Stimulus Program (AGSP) will help tackle the negative socio-economic and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We want to, more importantly, harness the opportunities which this approach brings for the continent," said Creecy during the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, which will finish on Tuesday.
She said that AMCEN member states plan to mobilize additional financial and technical resources to upscale and enhance the implementation of the portfolio of programs within the 12 key priority areas.
Creecy who is also minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment of South Africa said the program will upscale and enhance the implementation of environmental interventions on the continent.
The program targets improving air quality, enhancing chemicals and waste management and promoting the circular economy.
Creecy said that AMCEN member states will continue efforts to conserve, protect and enhance the resilience of Africa's environment and natural resources as part of their determined effort in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
She called for the strengthening of the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) regional presence in Africa.
"We believe such strengthening will continue to promote an efficient and effective delivery of UNEP's mandate in the region," said Creecy. Enditem
