Environmental Protection in Africa: Key Insights from 2023 Kenako African Festival’s Inspiring Session.

Introduction:
On the 22nd of July 2023, a remarkable session took place during the Kenako African Festival (Afrika Medien Zentrum e.V.) at Alexanderplatz, Berlin, which brought together experts and advocates dedicated to environmental protection in Africa. The panel discussion, titled “Environmental Protection in Africa: Integrating Governance and Everyday Life,” featured a diverse group of esteemed individuals, including Dr. Philmon Ghirmai from the Green Party Berlin acting as its Chair, Dr. Shruti Nath from Climate Analytics, Joel Kossivi Agnigbo representing Servicestelle Kommunen in der Einen Welt (SKEW), and the moderator, Aziz Lamere from narud e.v. Among these luminaries stood Paul Semeh, whose insights on the Significance of Environmental Protection in Africa were nothing short of inspiring.

Paul Semeh, a leader with a clear vision for a sustainable future and a passion for creating positive change in the lives of marginalized youth, centered his discussion on the significant impact of environmental protection in Africa.

The Significance of Environmental Protection in Africa:
He highlighted that Africa is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the lush rainforests of Central Africa to the vast savannas of East Africa and the expansive deserts in the north. These diverse ecosystems support a wide array of unique flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. Environmental protection is vital to safeguarding this biodiversity and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and human populations.
Paul stressed that Climate change poses a significant threat to Africa, exacerbating issues like droughts, floods, and desertification. These environmental challenges have adverse effects on agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic stability inciting the heartbreaking examples of the Keta Sea rising, which has swallowed homes, schools, and communities along the coast, heavy rains that have led to displacing many families in Ghana among others. Therefore, adopting sustainable practices is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the face of these challenges. His words painted a vivid picture of the urgency behind the need for robust policies and effective implementation of environmental protection measures.

Governance and Environmental Protection:
Paul stressed the importance of integrating environmental protection into development plans, He advocated for strategic capacity-building programs to empower communities and governments alike to participate actively in safeguarding the environment.
Effective governance plays a crucial role in environmental protection across Africa. He emphasized that Governments must enact and enforce robust environmental policies and regulations that promote conservation, sustainable resource management, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions citing the AU Agenda 2063 on Environment. Additionally, collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities is vital for addressing transboundary environmental issues.

Strengthening environmental institutions and investing in capacity building are essential steps to ensure that environmental laws are effectively implemented and adhered to. Transparent and accountable governance frameworks will help combat corruption and ensure that environmental resources are managed for the benefit of all citizens.
Furthermore, integrating environmental considerations into broader development strategies is imperative. Adopting a green economy approach can foster economic growth while minimizing environmental impacts, creating a win-win situation for both development and conservation efforts citing the African Green Agenda as a promising avenue.

Individual Actions Matter:
Paul, however, made it clear that true change starts with individual actions in everyday life. He eloquently emphasized that raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviors are key elements in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Empowering Street-Connected Populations:
Drawing from his experiences in social work and community development, Paul highlighted the transformative power of empowering street-connected populations and marginalized communities. He showcased the recent Global Water Dances Accra event titled “Nye Awo,” a mesmerizing poetry, drama, and dance performance that vividly depicted humanity’s toxic relationship with Mother Earth and its water bodies. This performance as an example served as a powerful call to action, urging everyone to rethink their role in environmental protection. Paul also shared valuable insights into best practices and lessons learned from various projects and programs. He encouraged collaborative efforts among stakeholders to bring about positive change in the environmental landscape.

A Call to Action for Afrika Medien Zentrum e.V., SKEW and Civil Society Organisations:
As a passionate advocate for change, Paul Semeh directed his attention to the representative from the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW), Joel Kossivi Agnigbo, his colleague panelists and the general civil society network. In a poignant moment, he urged them to consider implementing similar strategies to those showcased in the Global Water Dances Accra event. By advocating for creative performances that blend culture, arts, and environmentalism, Semeh highlighted the profound impact such initiatives can have in driving meaningful change and generating widespread awareness.

Actions for Environmental Protection:
In closing, Paul Semeh inspired the audience with practical actions that individuals and communities can take to contribute to environmental protection:

a) Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management: Adopt practices that reduce waste, promote recycling, and conserve water and energy resources.
b) Biodiversity Conservation: Encourage ecotourism and support conservation initiatives to preserve endangered species and their habitats.
c) Renewable Energy Adoption: Transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
d) Sustainable Agriculture: Promote agroecological practices, responsible land use, and forest protection to improve food security while conserving natural resources.
e) Waste Management: Implement proper waste disposal and recycling practices to minimize pollution and its impact on the environment.

Conclusion:
As the panel discussion ended, the audience was left inspired and motivated to take meaningful action towards environmental protection. Paul Semeh, together with the other esteemed experts, had effectively conveyed the message that the responsibility for safeguarding the environment lies with each one of us. By integrating environmental protection into governance, everyday life, and community development, Africa can pave the way towards a sustainable and resilient future. The workshop at the Kenako African Festival had sown the seeds of change, and it was up to everyone to nurture them into fruition.