AU urges African countries to step up their efforts against deforestation

ADDIS ABABA, July
17, (Xinhua / GNA) – The African Union (AU) has urged African countries to
intensify efforts in the fight against deforestation to lead African countries
common aspiration to the development of green economies.

"Despite their
important contribution to Africa's development and to the achievement of
The AU Agenda 2063, as well as the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
forest resources are threatened and besieged in Africa, "said the AU
said in a statement Tuesday. According to the pan-African bloc of 55 members,
the main threats to the forest resources of Africa
ranging from various artificial and natural factors mainly illegal exploitation
forest resources and trade, conflicting policies at national and regional levels.
land use levels, climate change and poverty.

The AU, which
recognized ongoing national and continental efforts to combat the threats that
affecting Africa's forest resources, also urged its member countries and
pan-African institutions to make concerted efforts to effectively combat
these challenges.

The AU also stressed
that if Africa wants to successfully achieve the 50-year continental development
Agenda 2063, the continent "must exploit national natural resources
Resources."

"Forest
resources are a critical factor for the well-being of Africa and for the financing of
development of the continent, "said the AU.

The AU also stressed
that "trees and non-timber forest resources have an economic impact
ecosystem services "because of their vital contribution to food security,
conservation of genetic resources, the provision of habitats for biodiversity and
reduction of emissions responsible for global warming.

African leaders
the State and the Government, under the auspices of the African Union, had adopted the Malabo Law
Statement on Accelerated Growth and Transformation of Agriculture for Sharing
Prosperity and improved livelihoods at their meeting in Malabo, capital of
Equatorial Guinea back in June 2014.

The statement,
among others, led the AU Commission and African Ministers of
forestry and energy to put in place a sustainable forest management program
to badist African Union Member States and the regional economic communities "in
manage and sustainably develop their forest sectors for socio-economic purposes.
development and protection of the environment. "

GNA