Launched in 2006, the Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern Africa (GI WACAF Project) is a cooperation between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues. It aims to assist 22 African countries in strengthening their capacity to prepare for and respond to marine oil spills. To achieve its objectives, the Project implements capacity building activities in collaboration with relevant national authorities and in partnership with local business units. These activities address challenges that arise during oil spill incidents with a specific focus on contingency planning. The Project addresses common concerns and goals of both public and private entities in responding to an incident. GI WACAF continues to improve by drawing from its experiences and lessons learned, many of which may be applicable to other regions of the world, including the African Great Lakes. Regardless of the level of activity and geographical remit, the adoption of good practices by all stakeholders is paramount to face oil exploration, production and transport risks.
Related Content
Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Management Programme (LTRIMP)
Rapid population growth and intensified human activities present increasing threats to the biological richness and natural resources in the Lake Tanganyika basin. The governments of the lake 's riparian countries Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia recognised these threats and collaborated to establish a sustainable development and management plan for the lake and its catchment basin. After an extensive research and consulting process, the Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Management Programme (LTRIMP) started its first implementation phase in 2008.
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was specially formulated to stimulate the necessary reforms in the agriculture sector and bring agriculture toward the support of socio-economic growth and sustainable development. CAADP is Africa 's policy framework for agriculture and agriculture-led development. It is an integral part of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
NEPAD Rural Futures Programme
Creating welfare and jobs in rural areas is a development policy priority for Africa. Seventy percent of Africa 's rural populations derive their livelihoods from agriculture, and the number of young people living in rural areas is continuously growing and will continue to do so over the next decades.
UNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative
Poor people depend on the environment for their livelihoods and well-being. Improved management of the environment and natural resources contributes directly to poverty reduction, more sustainable livelihoods and pro-poor growth. To fight poverty, promote security and preserve the ecosystems that poor people rely on for their livelihoods, pro-poor economic growth and environmental sustainability must be integrated into economic policies, planning systems and institutions.
Animal Resource Production Systems and Ecosystem Management Programme
Increasing demand for animal-source foods, the diminishing agricultural land in relation to the growing human population and the impact of climatic variability are together placing increased pressure on the natural resource base on which agricultural production depends.
The Prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle: Is it Time?
Across generations, ethnic tribes, religions and nationalities, the human race continues to derive vital lessons from ancient stories or prophesies, some of which use animals’ characters. An example of such a prophecy is the ‘Prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle’ whose nativity can be traced to South American communities.
Relevance of Wetlands to the African Great Lakes
Wetlands are some of the zones which have been misused by surrounding communities despite the huge benefits they provide in the ecosystem. Based on a definition by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a wetland is an area or zone where soil is covered or saturated by water at different times of the year or throughout the year. Wetlands provide habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial species. The aquatic environment offers ideal conditions for the growth and establishment of aquatic plants and promotes the development of soils with aquatic characteristics.
Conservation and Migration in the Great Lakes Region of Africa
This project aimed to improve the protection and sound management of the natural resources and critical ecosystems that sustain livelihoods in the Great Lakes region of Africa, an area that is experiencing significant pressures from human migration. To achieve this objective, IISD collaborated with the Conservation Development Center, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Frankfurt Zoological Society to research migration and conservation issues, conducting three main activities:
Ending impunity: prosecution of wildlife crime offenders in Virunga
IUCN is fighting this impunity with support of the European Union. Together with partner organization ACEDH, the organization pushes for better legal protection of Virunga and local communities.