AU seeks coordinated approach to resource management

The African Union programme on Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security, and Africa (GMES and Africa) has reiterated the need for proper management of natural resources in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the AU Commission on the sideline of the March 14 official ommencement of the second implementation phase on management of natural resources.

The statement explained that the programme was dedicated to the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources in the continent.

It read: “GMES and Africa marked the kick-off of its second phase with an award and signing ceremony in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

“Eight consortia representing the five regions of Africa received the award and signed the grant agreement which signified their commitment to implementing the programme in the next four years.”

The statement quoted Prof. Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), to have said during the ceremony that it recognised tha intra-African collaboration contributed to the success of the first phase of the programme.

It further said that Belhocine underscored the need to promote a coordinated continental approach in the management of Africa’s abundant, but fragile natural resources.

It said that the ceremony was witnessed by the Maritime Prefect of Benin, as well as the European Union and ECOWAS representatives.

“All the three officials acknowledged GMES and Africa as a significant vehicle for sustainable socio-economic development and pledged their institutions’ support to the new phase.

“GMES and Africa is a Pan-African programme implemented by the AU Commission and jointly funded by the European Union.

“It harnesses earth observation data and information to support policy and decision making in the management of natural resources and the environment.

“An enabling pillar of the African outer space flagship, the programme is implemented through grants supporting regional and national projects across Africa.

“The implementing institutions apply for the grants as consortia, and selection is through an open and competitive process,”the statement also said.