Mayors debate waste and climate strategies at Africities 8 Summit in Marrakech
Last month I had the opportunity to facilitate a panel discussion that included cities and experts from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The panel focused on the actions cities are taking globally to simultaneously address waste management and climate action.
The three-hour session was sponsored by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and presented within the context of the Africities 8 Summit, November 20-24 in Marrakech, Morocco. Africities hosts a series of summits, this year's attended by over 5000 participants, representing stakeholders linked to the development and sustainability of African cities across the continent. Partners from around the world were also well represented.
Not having attended an Africities Summit before I was impressed by their scale and scope. We often hear about the urban challenges that African cites are facing, but this event managed to make those challenges more concrete. I heard about the need for investment, training and technology, the strong interest for more focus on health and safety, as well as the desire to better integrate those on the margins of Africa’s waste management operations.
The discussion kicked-off with a welcome from the Moroccan Minister of Environment, Ms. Nezha El Ouafi. CCAC’s Sandra Mazo-Nix and ISWA’s Aditi Ramola headed up an experts panel that included the Deputy Mayor of Yokohama and a representative from the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) who spoke on organic waste management in Latin America and how this approach is a proven strategy for avoiding methane emissions. A second panel discussion included the Mayor of Beni Melal, Morocco, a city leading through upgrades to its disposal sites and direct dialogue with waste pickers, and Plateforme Resources, a grassroots waste management NGO based in Burkina Faso. The Moroccan Coalition for Waste Recycling (COVAD) as well as representatives from the French Agency for Environment and Energy (ADEME), the German cooperation agency GIZ, and SUEZ Environment also contributed.
The venue was standing room-only, highlighting the importance of waste management to cities in the region. It is also clear that while many international agencies are developing thoughtful responses, wide scope remains to support African cities interested to partner as they work to develop their own path to climate friendly waste management. This morning session on the second day of the Africities Summit concluded after three hours of information packed discussions. While frustrating to conclude with so many questions still remaining, the opportunity for exchange that this forum offered was unique. The groundwork for on-going partnership between Africa’s cities and the organizations offering support has been established. Clearly there is much interest and enthusiasm on all sides for it to continue.
Chris Godlove, Principal, THINKCities, facilitated the session “Local Strategies for Access to Waste Management Services for All” as part of the Africities 8 Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco. Thanks to CCAC and ISWA for this opportunity and to Mounia Elliq who supported in her role as Rapporteur.
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