WWF wants African Environment Ministers to reaffirm commitment to plastic pollution treaty

Posted on 03 September 2024
WWF delegation led by Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships for Africa
WWF delegation led by Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships for Africa
© WWF International
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – September 2, 2024 – As Africa’s Environment Ministers meet to discuss the continent’s most pressing environmental challenges, WWF calls on them to reaffirm their commitment to developing an ambitious, effective and just global plastic pollution treaty and to resolve any internal differences within the Africa Group to ensure a strong, cohesive voice in the international negotiations.

The treaty represents a crucial step in eliminating the most harmful plastics and associated chemicals and securing a robust financial package to support implementation.

The Ministers are meeting in the 10th special session of the Africa Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). The session is considered a decisive moment for Africa to assert its leadership and secure its environmental future as it comes in prelude to very important global policy events on the horizon.

WWF encourages ministers to present a united front in the lead-up to the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the plastic pollution treaty, scheduled for December 2024 in Busan, South Korea.
“As the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Africa requires substantial financial support to implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies,” states Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships at WWF Africa. “We urge African governments to push for the fulfillment of climate finance commitments at COP29, ensuring that Africa can meet its climate goals and protect its most vulnerable communities.”

“Africa stands at a critical juncture and AMCEN 2024 is an opportunity for our leaders to demonstrate their resolve in ending plastic pollution and securing the climate finance essential for our continent’s future. This is not just about policy—it’s about the survival of our people and our planet,” Some states.

The conference will also address the urgent issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought. Ministers and other stakeholders will discuss innovative strategies to sustain momentum on these critical challenges and provide guidance for key upcoming global policy events, including the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Saudi Arabia in December 2024. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in shaping Africa’s approach to combating land degradation and ensuring the resilience of its landscapes.
WWF delegation led by Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships for Africa
WWF delegation led by Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships for Africa
© WWF International Enlarge
over 160 African civil society organizations were in attendance
over 160 African civil society organizations were in attendance
© WWF International Enlarge
Plastic free city Campaign, WWF Limbe
Plastic free city Campaign, WWF Limbe
© JMukoko/WWF Enlarge
Dangers of plastic on aquatic life
Dangers of plastic on aquatic life
© WWF Enlarge