Celebration of the 2016 Africa Environment and WangariMaathai Day

INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

What: The African Union calling for joint Celebrations of the African Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day

Theme: Strengthening Women's Rights over Natural Resources

When: 03 March 2016 at 9:00am

Where: African Union Commission New Conference Center (Medium Conference Hall).

Who: African Union, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Participants: Women representatives from all regions of Africa and other stakeholders at national, regional and continental levels.

Objectives:

To raise awareness on sustainable environmental management among all stakeholders at national, regional and continental levels; To draw attention to the increasing environmental problems faced by Africa which are being exacerbated by climate change, desertification and demographic changes; To encourage the development of appropriate policies and strategies at national and regional levels and to enhance environmental sustainability.

Expected outcomes:

Policy recommendations for strengthening the rights of women over natural resources;

Awareness raising at regional and national levels on the need for gender equity with regards to access to natural resources; To encourage the development of appropriate policies and strategies at national and regional levels to enhance environmental sustainability.

Background:

Africa Environment Day was designated in 2002, The Organization of the African Unity Council of Ministers in their meeting in Durban, South Africa based on the recognition of the numerous environmental challenges confronting the African continent. Over the years they have been further aggravated by loss of biological diversity, climate change, desertification and increased pollution and unsafe disposal of wastes and chemicals.

In January 2012, the African Union adopted a decision calling for the joint celebrations of the African environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day. The celebration of the Wangari Maathai Day is in recognition of the work and life of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai who dedicated her life to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa.

Journalists are invited to cover the Celebration of the Event on March 3, 2016 starting at 9:00 a.m.