Rio+20: A declaration by Africa Alliance for Green Economy
Civil society organisations say the ‘green economy’ concept is vague and that profit-oriented strategies could endanger Africa’s natural capital.
We the African civil society organisations present in Riocentro have acknowledged that the Rio+20 outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro Brazil from 20-22 June 2012, has not matched the expectations of the civil society organisations represented at this Conference.
We appreciate that the outcome text has adopted relevant concepts such as:
- The contribution of culture and civilisation to fulfil sustainable development
- Youth Employment
- The right of civil society and other stakeholders to contribute to sustainable development as well as the right of access to information
- Capacity building of countries regarding a ‘green economy’
- Technology transfer (the term ‘as mutually agreed’ seems unclear)
- Sustainable production and consumption
However, we are concerned that it has left out the detail that is relevant to achieving sustainable development:
- A ‘green economy’ was the main topic of the Conference but the text is not very clear on a ‘green economy’ in terms of definition and mutual understanding. It is urgent to have a common view of what green economy means for our countries and our common future.
- The text does not give the mechanism for implementation and the financial means of achieving it. It also appears that there is no safeguard measure to guarantee the right of citizens and that of indigenous people with regard to natural resources. This can lead to wrong interpretations by international companies, considering the rights of populations and state sovereignty.
- The profit-oriented policy could endanger the natural capital of Africa and put our Mother Earth on the market.
- Only an inclusive approach of bringing together all stakeholders can help develop a strong vision on a green economy for sustainable development and poverty eradication, and to clearly define mechanisms for implementation and for sustainable funding.
- African leaders should urgently meet after Rio+20 to define the path the continent should take to achieve this new concept and mobilise funding for African experts to work on the pressing issues.
- The non-commitment of developed countries to allow a new financing mechanism to support sustainable development or to develop innovative financial mechanisms such as taxes in financial transactions.
- We congratulate the African negotiators for adopting a united position during the negotiations and to have a request for a chapter on Means of Implementation, if the concept of a green economy has to be implemented in Africa.
- We recommend that world leaders should take seriously the threat that our planet is facing, and find the way to bring all people to contribute to a good solution. We want to recall that Southern countries are the most vulnerable to climate change effects and that more means should be mobilised for their adaptation and access to climate friendly technologies.
- We recommend that African private sector and local councils should join this network initiated by civil society organisations in order to join efforts to achieve reconstruction of the sustainable development roadmap, and promote green employment for youth and green business for women.
- Call for international organisations to support our efforts to build this working group on a green economy by bringing some funding, capacity building and competencies to African countries in order for them to be fully equipped to carry on and follow the process of green economy implementation in African countries for sustainable development and poverty eradication.
- We commit ourselves as civil society organisations to bring together our expertise on green economy in order to propose a vision and relevant orientation for our leaders and for our people in the area of green economy policy. We are also engaging to train different stakeholders in order to adapt themselves on green achievements.
- Considering the above, we decide as African civil society present here in Rio de Janeiro to work together as a network called: ‘African Alliance for Green Economy’ (‘Coalition Africaine pour le Developpement Durable et l’Economie Verte’).
- We are open for a wide membership from civil society organisations, private sector organisations and local councils.
Made on 22 June 2012
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