Pretoria - Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa will participate in a high level segment of the Second United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday.
The two-day UNEA-2 will be held under the theme ‘Delivering on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.
The UNEA is a decision-making body of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and has the universal membership of all 193 United Nations member states. UNEA provides a platform for leadership on global environmental policy.
This year’s assembly will reflect on the latest global, regional and national developments related to the environment.
It will also provide the first global platform for reviewing progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly their environmental dimensions and will culminate in the adoption of a number of resolutions.
South Africa’s position ahead of the UNEA-2 includes the request that “UNEP and UNEA must take the lead in providing capacity to countries for implementing policies and measures relevant to the environmental dimension for sustainable development, as well as providing support for and facilitating access to sustainable technology”.
South Africa recognizes the role of natural capital and its special significance for South Africa, as it is aligned with transitioning to a low-carbon, pro-employment green economy.
“Since Africa is endowed with rich biodiversity and ecological assets, these should be harnessed through key sectors supportive of natural capital such as agriculture, energy, transport and natural resource management.
“Through these sectors, there could be unparalleled socio-economic spin-offs through economic growth, employment creation and minimal environmental degradation,” the Department of Environmental Affairs said.
Minister Molewa will lead South Africa’s delegation in a discussion about the illegal trade in wildlife; mobilising investment for sustainable development and delivering on environmental dimensions of Agenda 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
