UN COMMISSION URGES AFRICA TO ADOPT GREEN ECONOMY

The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has advised African
countries to adopt the Green Economy model, to enhance the rapid
development of their economies.
Chief, Green Economy and Natural Resources at UNECA, Ms. Isatou Gaye,
gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
on Monday in Abuja.
NAN reports that green economy is seeking another way of pursuing
developmental objectives in a more efficient and environmentally
supportive manner.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), green economy is an
emerging concept, which "is generally low carbon, resource efficient
and socially inclusive model of development".
Isatou said that Africa countries should capitalise on their natural
resources and the entrepreneurship of their people, to transit from
economic growth to sustainable development.
"We know that Africa has been growing but this growth has really not
been inclusive and has not been job creating.
"When we talk about green economy, we are looking at an economic
system that advances growth, and at the same time ensures that this
growth is inclusive.
"And the resources that we use for this growth are used in an
efficient manner, and would curb the degradation on the environment.
"It is looking at the economic aspect, the environmental aspect, and
the social aspect of sustainable development.
"Ensuring that in our growth pathway or development pathway, we bring
what we now know as the three dimensions of sustainable development
into account, in a balanced manner.
"We have our natural resources to grow, but in doing so, we ensure
that this growth is broad-based, creates jobs and minimizes the
depletion and degradation of the environment," she said.
Isatou explained that the efficient use of Africa's natural resources
was necessary if the growth of the continent was to be beneficial to
its citizens.
According to her, the world is now talking about Africa's rising, and
there is hope for the emergence of the continent in the comity of
industrialised economies.
She said that agriculture in particular, played an important role in
the rapid economic development and the industrialisation of the
African continent.(NAN)