Greenpeace Africa calls on African Ministers to Uphold Commitments and resist Industry pressure at Crucial Continental Meeting

 As the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN)
convenes in Nairobi, Greenpeace Africa calls on the continent's environmental ministers to
demonstrate bold leadership on critical environmental challenges facing the continent and the
world.

The 20th session of AMCEN marks a defining moment for Africa's unified voice on
environmental policy, bringing together ministers from all 54 African countries at a time when
decisive action on plastic pollution, climate justice, and biodiversity loss is more urgent than
ever.

Greenpeace Africa urges ministers to prioritize three critical areas:
1. Uphold Strong Plastics Treaty Commitment
African ministers must reaffirm the visionary leadership demonstrated at AMCEN 19/2
Decision, which called for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty addressing pollution across its
entire lifecycle. With negotiations entering a critical phase at INC-5.2 in Geneva this August, any
retreat from Africa's strong position would undermine the continent's unified voice and
environmental goals.
Hellen Dena, Project Lead, Pan African Plastic Project, said:
"The plastic pollution crisis is disproportionately affecting African communities. From open
burning and illegal waste dumping in low-income communities, to the health threats of

microplastics and toxic chemicals, it is often the most vulnerable that bear the brunt of this
crisis. AMCEN must resist industry pressure and maintain its call for plastics production caps in
the Global Plastics Treaty.
2. Make Polluters Pay
New polling data reveals overwhelming public support for making oil and gas corporations pay
for climate damage. A Greenpeace-Oxfam study shows 81% of respondents across 13 African
countries support taxes on fossil fuel companies to fund climate recovery, including 85% in
Kenya and 80% in South Africa.
Sherelee Odayar, Oil and Gas Campaigner said:
"AMCEN must champion reparations for climate damages and ensure that those who profited
most from environmental destruction contribute to addressing the damage. This is not just
environmental policy but a matter of justice for communities suffering the worst climate
impacts.

3. Protect Forests Through Direct Community Finance and rights recognition
As deforestation accelerates across the continent, AMCEN must commit to the implementation
of deforestation action plans that center Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities with direct
access to finance and recognition of their rights.

Dr Lamfu Yengong, Greenpeace Africa’s Lead Forest Campaigner, said:
“African forests are being decimated while those who have protected them for generations are
sidelined. AMCEN must ensure direct finance and recognition of the rights of the Indigenous
Peoples and Local Communities who are the most effective guardians of our biodiversity.”
AMCEN's outcomes will directly shape Africa's positions at major international forums,
including INC 5.2, COP 30, and UNEA 7. Unity across the continent is essential to ensure that
African priorities are not compromised in global negotiations.'Africa's strength lies in its unity," added Koaile Monaheng, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan African
Political Strategist. "Our leaders must act with courage, not caution—with conviction, not
compromise. The people of Africa are demanding action, and AMCEN must deliver'