China to enhance environmental co-op with Africa

A Chinese environment official on Monday called for the deepening of the current Sino-Africa cooperation on environment and development.

Xu Qinghua, Deputy Secretary General of China's Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, said that China is willing to share its valuable experience of sustainable development with African countries.

"This will strengthen Africa's capacity to protect its rich biodiversity through improved environmental governance," Xu said during a workshop in Nairobi for the preparation of the upcoming forum for China-Africa Cooperation.

He said in the past decade, about 400 environmental officials from 30 African countries have visited China.

"This has effectively deepened mutual understanding between China and Africa over many environmental issues," Xu said, adding that Sino-Africa cooperation is based on win-win cooperation as it provides opportunities for both parties.

He said Sino-Africa cooperation is a form of collaboration among development countries since China is the largest developing country while Africa is host to the largest group of developing countries.

Fred Kumah, World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Regional Director for Africa said the world is currently united in developing a sustainable post 2015 agenda. "The Sino-Africa cooperation on sustainable development also complements this agenda."

He said WWF will engage relevant partners to ensure that mainstream environmental sustainability is included in Sino-Africa trade and investment cooperation.

"This will ensure that future generations still benefit from Africa and China's natural resources," he said.

Purity Muhindi, Acting Political and Diplomatic Secretary with Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, said Kenya and China have identified areas of bilateral cooperation.

"They are all anchored on realizing benefits for both nations' citizens without compromising on the quality of the environment," she said.