AFRICA ENVIRONMENT AND WANGARI MAATHAI DAY HELD IN NIAMEY (NIGER), 01-04 MARCH 2018
After Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in February 2017, African Union Commission (AUC) has co-organizing this year, with the government of the Republic of Niger, from 01 to 04 March, the Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day in Niamey, Niger.
The Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) through its Environment Division and the Specialized Technical Office AU SAFGRAD, were actively involved in the planning and execution of this important continental event. This celebration, that constituted an opportunity for the AUC to reaffirm its commitment toward environmental protection in Africa, was attended by various International and African organizations including AU, UNCCD, IMO, World Bank, CILSS, ECOWAS and other RECs, PAGGW, etc.
The AUC delegation was headed by HE Mrs Josefa Sacko Correa, Commissioner of Rural Economy and Agriculture, and included many other officers notably from Environment Division. AU SAFGRAD team comprised the Coordinator (Dr. Ahmed Elmekass) and two senior officers: Mr. Youssoupha MBENGUE (information and Outreach Officer) and Mr. Mamadou KOUTOU (Programme Officer). The opportunity was taken by the office to disseminate outreach materials such as books, T-shirts, caps, etc.
Three main events have been successfully organized during the celebrations:
- Women and Environment Forum (Day1&2: 01-02 March);
- Official celebration of the Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day (Day 3: 03 March);
- Ministerial Forum on “Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa” (Day 4: 04 March).
Dozens of Member States, mainly from West Africa, generally represented by Ministers of Environment and Sustainable Development, took effectively part of this great event. The government of Niger Republic actively facilitated and contributed to the success of the event, notably through the presence of two key ministers (Minister of Women Promotion and Childhood Protection and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development) aa well as a dynamic local organization committee.
HE Mrs Josefa Leonel Sacko Correa, DREA Commissioner with Ministers of Environment of Angola and The Gambia at the closing of Women Forum (day 2)
Ministerial Forum Group Picture at the opening (Day 4)
HE Mrs Josefa Leonel Sacko Correa, DREA Commissioner (on the right) with HE Mr. Almoustapha Garba, Niger Minister of Environment (at the center) and Mrs Love, World Bank Representative (at the left)
Women Forum Group Picture at the opening (Day 1)
After planting a tree, HE Mrs Josefa Leonel Sacko Correa, DREA Commisionner is congratulated by Niger Minister of Environment and AU SAFGRAD Coordinator (Day 3)
