China’s ministry of ecology and environment in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) on Friday launched the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Centre in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
The center is part of a strategic partnership between the Asian country and the UN agency aimed at building capacity in developing countries in their efforts to address environmental issues.
The center also aims to provide support to African nations in their struggle to sustainably develop their economies and increase awareness of environmental challenges.
Already, China and UNEP have successfully implemented 18 projects. The Asian country has also committed $6 million for the 2016-2018 period to support projects on ecosystems and bio-diversity, pollution, as well as chemicals-related multilateral environmental agreements.
While speaking at the launch of the center in Nairobi, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya urged for closer cooperation between her country and Africa.
“I believe that between China and Africa it should be two way communication on ecological cooperation,” she said. “China will implement a number of free energy development projects across the continent.”
