WCEL Webinar Explores the Role of Civil Society in Environmental Governance in Africa

The Webinar highlighted African voices from civil society, businesses, and local and regional authorities, with a look towards the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5).

Environmental Law has a central role to play in framing and strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally and in Africa. Regional cooperation is a transformational space for nature to achieve the SDGs globally. Specifically in Africa, IUCN, among others, contributed to the drafting of the Revised African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (2016).

Inclusion plays an important role in empowering active stakeholders and is one of the foundations of the Environmental Rule of Law[1] . Furthermore, according to the United Nations Secretary General, “inclusive multilateralism, based on deep interaction with civil society, businesses, local and regional authorities and other stakeholders… where the voice of youth is decisive in shaping our future”[2] is needed.

The Webinar was moderated by Ayman Cherkaoui, Coordinator and Chargé of Strategic Development at Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. UNEP Regional Coordinator, Robert Wabunoha, provided opening remarks. The panel featured:

• Honorable Mamadou Diallo, IUCN Regional Councilor, Secretary General of the Association Sénégalaise des Amis de la Nature (ASAN)
• Xolisa Ngwadla, Business Development & Commercialisation Executive at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Omoyemen Lucia Odigie-Emmanuel, President, Centre for Human Rights and Climate Change Research

A full recording of the webinar is available here:

[1] IUCN World Declaration on the Environmental Rule of Law, 2016

[2] Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, 24 April 202