Greenpeace Africa (GPAF) is launching a climate justice movement in Accra, uniting civil society groups, community leaders, and experts to tackle pressing environmental issues in West Africa, including overfishing, deforestation, unsustainable food systems, and the devastating effects of climate change, promoting collective action and solutions for a more sustainable future.

The launch event will unite 40 stakeholders, including Greenpeace Africa, civil society organisations focused on various environmental areas, and African partners, to promote sustainable policies, practices, and governance models.

The collaboration aims to develop strategies for advocacy campaigns to reform harmful environmental policies and drive a transition to a low-impact, sustainable future.

GPAF aims to enhance partnerships and facilitate collaboration between community groups and environmental civil society organizations (CSOs) in West Africa.

On July 12, 2024, a joint press release will be issued to announce the launch, and a dedicated communication platform will be established to facilitate information sharing and coordination among partners.

The expected outcomes of this launch also include a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or declaration, outlining areas of agreement and assigned actions for each participating organization, fostering a collaborative and coordinated approach to environmental advocacy in West Africa.

West Africa faces multipronged environmental crisis

West Africa is grappling with a multitude of pressing environmental issues, including overfishing, deforestation, inadequate waste management, unsustainable food production practices, poverty, unchecked fossil fuel exploitation, and the devastating effects of climate change, necessitating urgent collective action to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the region.

The crisis is worsened by foreign entities, including fleets and industries, who, in collaboration with local actors, exploit the region's resources without consideration for the long-term consequences on local communities and the environment.

That is why GPAF is collaborating with partners to establish a climate justice movement, tackling the urgent issues affecting West Africa's forests, oceans, waste management, food systems, and climate and energy resources.

“Recognizing the urgent need for collaborative action, we are organizing a regional workshop aimed at uniting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, and subject matter experts,” GPAF said in a statement issued today.

It said that, “the goal is to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and develop sustainable strategies to restore the health of West Africa’s oceans, forests, and communities, ensuring a resilient and vibrant future for the region.”