By Christine Ochogo, christawine@gmail.com
This year’s State of Africa’s Environment report will be released in September in Nairobi, Kenya, according to the Centre for Science and Environment, the publishers of the study.
In an invite to the media for expression of interest for the three day event, the Media for Environment Science Health and Agriculture (MESHA) and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), have indicated that the report will this time round highlight the plight of water in the continent.
A media briefing covering various aspects of the report as well as other key issues relevant to Africa will be conducted following the release of the study.
This is the second year for the launch of this landmark study with last year’s document emphasising on centrality of environment well-being in the overall sustainable development of the continent.
The 2023 report covered climate change, wildlife and biodiversity, agriculture and land degradation, water and hygiene situations and emerging waste management issues.
Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor, Down To Earth, and the head of Editorial Board behind the report said that over 100 journalists, researchers and experts across Africa contributed to the annual publication by bringing country-wide assessments which were analysed to get a continental perspective.
Some other key highlights from the 2023 State of Environment report indicated that Africa has been worse hit by climate change than the rest of the world even though the continent hardly contributes to global warming.
The research also examined Africa’s potential to feed herself and what the poor governance policies play in frustrating efforts towards food security among others.
According to MESHA chairman Mr Bozo Jenje Bozo, CSE and MESHA continuous 10 year partnership has been built on strong foundation on promoting science journalism, therefore the release of this report is of much significance to the two cooperate partners.
For those interested in attending the event, please send inquires to info@meshascience.org or visit the website of Centre for Science and Environment.
The launch comes barely a month from the Journey of Water Campaign by WWF Kenya where communities living along rivers and other water bodies were challenged to protect rives since they hold the key to sustaining water quality.
According to the government, 9.9m Kenyans do not have access to clean water a fact that they say must be put to rest through strategic partnerships.
