(Ecofin Agency) - Due to ecosystem degradation, Africa loses $68 billion annually, a report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), quoted by Sahel Intelligence informs.

According to figures published during the seventh extraordinary session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, ongoing from 17-21 September in Nairobi (Kenya), these environmental problems also affect the continent's ability to meet its food demand. Indeed, more than 6 million tons of cereal harvest that could feed 31 million Africans are thus lost as a result of this problem.

The ongoing session of the African ministerial conference should be the platform to discuss the key points that will enliven discussions during the fourth edition of the UNEP and define a common approach for the countries as far as their participation in that event is concerned.

 “It [ed.notes: the conference] will focus on the way environmental problems can be confronted with innovative solutions and interventions as well as consumption promotion and sustainable production”, the UNEP indicates in a press release.

Let’s note that this conference is held just weeks before the fourteenth session of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity scheduled for November 17-29 in Charm el-Cheikh (Egypt), and the 24^th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Poland.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou