NAIROBI, Kenya — Greenpeace Africa is calling on African environment ministers to resist industry influence and take bold, unified action on plastic pollution, climate justice, and forest protection as the 20th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) kicks off in Nairobi.
The high-level meeting, which brings together ministers from all 54 African nations, comes at a critical time as the continent grapples with the growing effects of environmental degradation, including extreme weather events, plastic waste, and deforestation.
Greenpeace Africa says ministers must use AMCEN 20 to reaffirm Africa’s leadership on global environmental issues, particularly ahead of key negotiations at INC-5.2 in Geneva and COP30 later this year.
“This is a defining moment for Africa’s environmental agenda. The people of Africa are demanding action, and AMCEN must deliver,” said Koaile Monaheng, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan African Political Strategist.
1. Reaffirm Plastics Treaty Commitments
Greenpeace is urging ministers to uphold the strong stance taken in the AMCEN 19/2 Decision, which called for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that tackles pollution across the entire plastics lifecycle—from production to disposal.
“The plastic pollution crisis is disproportionately affecting African communities, especially low-income areas suffering from illegal dumping and open burning,” said Hellen Dena, Project Lead for Greenpeace’s Pan African Plastic Project. “AMCEN must stand firm on capping plastic production in the treaty and resist industry pressure to weaken Africa’s position.”
2. Make Polluters Pay for Climate Damage
The environmental watchdog is also pushing for climate reparations, citing new survey data showing overwhelming support for making fossil fuel companies pay for the damage caused by climate change.
According to a Greenpeace-Oxfam poll, 81% of respondents across 13 African countries support taxing oil and gas companies to fund climate recovery efforts—including 85% of Kenyans and 80% of South Africans.
“This is about justice,” said Sherelee Odayar, Oil and Gas Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa.
“AMCEN must ensure that those who have profited most from climate destruction are held accountable and contribute to recovery efforts.”
3. Protect Forests by Empowering Indigenous Communities
As deforestation escalates across the continent, Greenpeace is calling on AMCEN to center Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in forest protection policies.
The group wants ministers to commit to direct financing and legal recognition of forest-dependent communities.
“African forests are being decimated while those who have protected them for generations remain excluded,” said Dr Lamfu Yengong, Lead Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa. “AMCEN must ensure Indigenous Peoples receive the support and rights recognition they deserve.”
Unified African Voice Key to Global Influence
Greenpeace warns that AMCEN’s resolutions will shape Africa’s position at upcoming global environmental forums, including the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 7) and COP30 in Brazil.
“Africa’s strength lies in its unity. Our leaders must act with courage, not caution—with conviction, not compromise,” added Monaheng.
