WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
3 June 2021  
(21-4584) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade and Environment  Original: French  
 
  
PRESENTATION  ON THE NATIONAL EXPERIENCE  
OF THE  ENVIRONMENT  
COMMUNICATION FROM THE CENTRAL AFRICAN  REPUBLI C 
_______________  
 
 
1  CONTEXT  
1.1  Geographical location and  administrative situation  
1. The Central African Republic (CAR), a landlocked country in Central Africa , is situated between 
latitudes  4° 21' and 4° 26' north and  at longitude  18° 32'  east, with  a surface area of 623,000 km2 
and an estimated population of five  million  in 2017 (U nited Nations Development Programme 
(UNDP) , 2018).  
2. The country lies at the heart of the African continent  and is bordered to the north by Chad, to 
the south by the DRC, to the west by Cameroon and to the east by Sudan and South Sudan .  
3. According t o the UNDP's 2019 Human Development Index , the CAR is ranked 188 out of 189 
of the world's poorest countries and 62.9% of the  population lives below the poverty line on less 
than one dollar a day .  
4. The country's  economic indicators have been poor over recent  decades due to recurring crises 
that have resulted in structural capacity deficiencies  at all levels, the deterioration of the economic 
fabric and a vulnerab le population .  
5. The repeated crises have undermined the government's efforts and prevented i t from putting 
into operation  the strategic objectives outlined in the environmental protection policy documents . 
6. It should be recalled that the following multilateral environment agreements have been 
ratified: United Nations conventions on the climate, de sertification , biodiversity  and 
persistent  organic pollutants ; the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the  Ozone Layer; and 
the Kyoto Protocol . 
7. In addition, the CAR committed, together with the countries of the world, to sign ing the Paris 
Climate Agreement and adopted the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy in line with the 
Sendai Framework . 
8. In this connection , the CAR solemnly reaffirms its solidarity with the international community 
in the face of  the new environmental c hallenge posed by climate change and in order to  protect the 
planet against the adverse  effects of global warming. The CAR shall do its utmost to resolutely  
engag e in all domestic , regional and international initiatives to identify vital actions and implem ent 
the key programmes for combating  global warming .  
9. In the CAR, waste poses numerous and varied challenges for the government and the 
authorities in Bangui. The amount  of household and industrial waste produced is currently on the 
increase . This waste is poorly managed and goes uncollected ; the country has just one landfill site, 
in Kolongo , which is inadequate and is contaminated by hazardous materials.  WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 2 - 
 
  10. It is well  know n that poor waste management has major consequences for human health, 
particular ly for those liv ing near to disposal /landfill  sites. The protection of health is the reason for 
which the authorities and the central municipality in Bangui must implement  a collection system for 
household or solid municipal waste to ensure the cleanliness of the surrounding  environment .  
11. This waste also adversely affects the air, water and soil. At the social level, waste has a 
disproportionate impact on the poor and marginaliz ed living in  Bangui and the country's other major 
cities. 
Geographic al location and  administrative  situation  
         
 
12. The highly diverse climate is tropical, hot  and humid and is governed by the Harmattan and 
monsoon season s.  
13. Across the country, the average annual temperature range s between 23° in the South and  
26° in the North. 
14. The country  receives on average 1,420 mm  of rainfall  per year , with the intensity of this 
rainfall decreasing significantly from south to north  and thereby creating  five agro -climatic zones 
(Guinean -forest, Sudano -Guinean , Sudano -Ubangian , Sudano -Sahelian  and Sahelian ). 
15. The climate forecasts in  the studies carried out as part of the joint project " Climate Change 
Scenarios for the Congo Basin" show tha t the country will experience : 
➢ A significant temperature increase in the future ; 
➢ An increase in temperature  extremes ; 
➢ A less uniform temporal distribution of rainfall in the future due to a significant increase in 
dry spells during the rainy season ; 
➢ An increase in the intensity of extreme precipitation or torrential and storm rain fall that leads 
to floods . 
 
WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 3 - 
 
  Main climat ic zones  in the CAR  
 
 
1.2  Administrative s ituation  
16. The country is subdivided into 16 pr efectures . These prefectures  are grouped into seven  
administrative regions  home to the major cities with highly diversified socio -economic activities 
(form al and informal ). 
17. Population:  4,826,000 inhabitants ( 2019 estim ate) 
18. Densit y: 7.6 inhabitants/km2 (2019 estimate ) 
19. Urban -rural distribution  
➢ Urban population:  41.4% (2018)  
➢ Rural population: 58 .6% (2018)  
 
20. Projected p opulation for 2030 : 6,124,000 inhabitants  
2  POLI CY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORM S 
2.1  Policy reforms  
21. The National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA ), vision 2021 : A roadmap for 
recovery and peacebuilding , drawn up in the aftermath of the  recurr ing crises in the country. Its 
adoption  led to  the implementation of a number of sectoral reforms and the re vival of domestic 
socio-economic activities ; 
Main climatic zones in the CAR
Source: Boulvert, 1986.Key
Isohyet
Capital
Capital of the prefecture
Border of the prefecture
National borderGuinean -forest
Sudano -Ubangian
Sudano -Guinean
Sudano -Sahelian
Sahelo -SudanianWT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 4 - 
 
  22. The Biomedical Waste M anagement Plan (PGDBM) , currently in effect , is an important 
planning and management system  for biomedical waste , the implementation of which will improve 
public health while taking into account  environmental, technical and socio -cultural concerns . It has 
allowed for the determination of the various waste management stages, the strengthening of 
coordination and the identification of the needs in terms of specific investment and capacity  building,  
as well as training activities ; 
23. The adoption of environmental protection policy and strategy documents  (NAPA, 
SOP-CC, NAP-CAD, NBSAP , NDC, REDD+  NIF, NAPE, etc.);  
24. The National Disaster Risk Management Strategy  in line with the Sendai Framework, 
adopted at the domestic level in  2019;  
25. The 2020 National Air Pollution Control Strategy , which supports an integrated approach 
to socio -economic development in order to  improv e the well -being of the p opulation ; 
26. The wordin g of the National Environment Policy , which  further reinforces  the 
fundamental  mission of the Ministry of the Environment, is in the process of being validated ; 
27. The National Drought Plan , which is in the process of being validated at the domestic level 
with a view to combating the effects of drought ; 
28. The National Strategy for Sustainable Development , adopted in March  2021 a t the 
domestic level ; 
29. The National Health Policy 2019 -2030 , which ensures that the population  has access to 
high-quality health services ; 
30. The Action Plan for Access to Sustainable Energy and the Climate ; 
31. The roadmap for decentralization and local development , which is the result of 
preparations by the Association of Mayors of the Central Africa n Republic  (AMCA) for 
negotiations  with the European Union ahead of the  next programming phase for international 
cooperation 2021-2027.  
2.2  Legal reforms  
32. The CAR has put in place  an array of legal instruments  for managing the environment . 
33. At the international level  
- The ratification of multilateral environmental agreements , including : 
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);  
• The Kyoto  Protocol ; 
• The Paris Climat e Agreement ; 
• The Convention on Biological Diversity ;  
• The Convention to Combat Desertification , etc.  
 
34. At the domestic level  
- The Environmental Code adopted in 2007 setting out the legal framework for managing the 
environment in the CAR . It emphasizes  the fact that every Central African citizen has the 
right to a healthy environment under the conditions laid down in  the domestic  and 
international legal texts in force. This Code is under review ; 
 
- Law No.  20.008 of 7 April 2020 on the organization and functioning of local authorities ; 
 
- Law No. 20-017 of 16 June 2020 banning the production, importation, marketing , 
distribution and possession of non -biodegradable plastic packaging and bags in the CAR ; 
 WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 5 - 
 
  - Law No. 09 003 on shaping land development policy, which provides an opportunity for an 
integrated spatial planning pro cess for the country. It underlines the importance of the 
principles of precaution and prevention (Article 7) and international solidarity  (Article 8); 
 
- Law No. 03-04 of 20 January 2003 on the Public Hygiene and Housing Code in the CAR . It 
is aimed at collective and individual sanitation and provides for a hygiene policy for 
identifying and prosecuting offences . 
 
2.3  Institutional reforms  
35. The Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) is responsible for the 
implementation of environmental policy.  
36. Its fundamental task  is to draw up and implement the government's  environmental and 
sustainable development  policy .  
37. It collaborates with all other departments, local authorities (town halls), the private sector, 
non-governmental o rganizations and other stakeholders working directly or indirectly in the area of 
environmental protection . 
2.4  Bodies supporting the Ministry of the E nvironment and Sustainable Development  
38. Three national coordination bodies were created in 2019 through a presidential decree to 
support the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development . These are : 
- A national c oordination body for  climate; 
- A national coordination body for desertification and drought ; 
- A national coordination body for biodiversity . 
 
39. The Environmental Code of 27 December  2007 provided for the establishment of three 
semi-autonomous environmental agencies : the National Environmen t Fund ( FNE), the Central 
African Environment and Sustainable Development Agency ( ACEDD ) and the National Commission 
for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CNEDD ). These semi -autonomous  agenc ies 
operate  in accordance with their statutes . 
2.5  Deficiencies of the poli cy, legal and institutional framework  
40. Poor enforcement of existing legislation and lack of dissemination to the populations 
concerned ; 
41. Low level of corporate social responsibility ; 
42. Dependence on e xternal environmental policies and ineffective implementation of the 
Environmental Code ; 
43. Ineffective monitoring and implementation mechanisms of the Environmental Code ; 
44. Irregular monitoring of environmental management plans (PGES)  or carrying out of 
enviro nmental audits due to a lack of financial resources ; 
45. Lack of financial resources ; 
46. Lack of a body responsible for environmental studies, statistics and planning ; 
47. Inadequate functioning of some decision -making bodies established under the Code, such as 
the CNEDD  and ACEDD;  WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 6 - 
 
  48. Insuffi cient human resources, both in quantity and quality, to carry out all the functions 
assigned ; 
❖ Complete lack of a career development plan for top government officials and other 
government  employees ;  
❖ Lack of an appropri ate training and retraining programme for top government officials 
and other government employees ;  
❖ Failure to implement the recommendations of the national capacity self -assessment 
(NCSA)  with regard to capacity -building needs . 
 
49. Insufficient capacity to mobilize financial resources and to manage projects (develop ment, 
monitoring and evaluation, reporting, financial management and database management).  
3  CURRENT SITUATION REGARDING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT  
Area General presentation  
Institutional system  Law No.  03.04 of 20 January 2003 on the Environmental Health Code: 
contamination of water, soil and air, and solid and liquid waste 
management . 
Law No. 20-017 of 16 June 2020 banning the  production, importation, 
marketing , distribution and possession of non -biodegradable plastic 
packaging and bags in the CAR . 
Policy/plan  • There is an environmental management plan under the 
supervision of the Ministry of the Environment . 
Implementation 
system  • The municipality's main tasks, through the Directorate of Major 
Projects or the Technical Directorate of the Environment 
Department, are managing the municipality's waste and 
ensuring the cleanliness of the city . 
Technical system   
Quantity of waste 
produced and 
characteristics  • Daily  production is estim ated at  930 m3/day. 
             2008-2010: 113 ,975.6 m3 
             2011-2013: 198 ,006 m3 
             2014: 97 ,530 m3 
             2015: 114 ,493 m3 
             2016: 67 ,756 m3 
• Waste density : 0.5 t/m3. Composition: around  60% is organic 
material . Plastics have been increasing in recent years . 
Storage and 
disposal /Collect ion 
and transport/ Street 
sweeping  • 41 transfer stations , spread over five districts, where waste is 
grouped together before being transferred to the landfill site . 
• Transport is undertaken by technical services, which have 12 
multi-purpose trucks to that end . 
• Street and pavement sweeping is carried out by tempo rary 
municipal workers, the majority of whom are women . The 
weeding of the main streets is also carried out by temporary 
staff. The department has around 250 employees . 
Intermediate 
processing /recyc ling • Consideration is being given to the possible introduction of the 
selective sorting of waste at transfer stations . 
Final di sposal  • The 6th district measures  36,980 m2. The technical landfill site 
(CET) has been designed with 16 landfill cells and each cell is 
two metres deep and five  metres high . 
Financing  • The collection  service is financed partly by the municipality and 
partly by the beneficiaries . The current budget does not cover 
all the operating costs, estimated at XAF 1.4 billion to collect 
60% of the waste produced by the city . WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 7 - 
 
  Area General presentation  
Environmental and 
social considerations  • There is a Hygiene Code regulating the environmental and social 
aspects . However, its application remains difficult due to a lack 
of human and financial resources . A waste collection strategy 
document setting out stakeholders' terms and conditions and 
responsibility  also exists . 
Support from donors  • The city of  Bangui received support from the World Bank from 
2004 to 2015 and from the European Development Fund from 
2015 to 2017. This support enabled the development of the CET 
and the provision of collection  equipment to the department in 
charge of waste management . 
Improvements 
required (in order of 
priority ) • Reduce  transport: stop transporting soil and optimize transport.  
• Reduce the amount of landfill by recycling reusable materials.  
• Carry out sorting at the point of origin . 
 
50. The incineration of solid waste of a ny kind (persistent organic pollutants) is a common and 
growing practice in the country and particularly in the neighbourhoods  of the capital Bangui dur ing 
the dry season . It is carried out by households and a number of health  centres equipped with 
semi-artisanal incinerators . This practice generates  greenhouse gas emissions , which we must seek 
to eradicate . 
51. The municipality does not have an effective solid waste collection system, meaning that this 
waste is s cattered  across the streets and, in the majority of cases, ends up in the main  drainage 
channels  due to the lack of coordination by the institutions in charge of the  sector. These drains are 
not cleared , leading  to floods when water levels are high  because of  the obstruction s and the 
vegetation  growing . 
 
 
  
 
WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 8 - 
 
   
 
 
 
Paving stones made from plastic waste as a way to protect the environment in  Gbaloko , 
16 km from Bangui, the capital  of the CAR  
 
 
4  ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO -ECONOMIC CHALLENGES  
52. Central African towns and cities, through their district authorities, face the following urban 
constraints :  
- Uncontrolled development due to the combined effect of natural growth and the rural exodus 
of young peo ple owing to the recurring crises and the lack of opportunities in rural areas ;  
- The development of a number of socio -economic activities, including on public roads , with 
the proliferation of solid waste, whether biodegradable or not, and the open -air inci neration 
of such waste ;  
- Significant pressure on the urban ecosystem due to the high rate of population growth, 
uncontrolled urban development and especially the development of informal commercial and 
artisanal activities ; 
- The dumping of solid household wa ste in the main drainage channels (drains , roadside 
gutters , etc.); 
- Lack of synergies to carry out adequate town planning in the context of climate change . 
WT/CTE/GEN/25  
 
- 9 - 
 
   
5  PROPOS ED SOLUTIONS  
➢ Strengthen the institutional capacities of the bodies responsible for solid waste 
management ; 
➢ Provide technical and financial support to the government in the drafting of a land -use/urban 
development plan in order to curb the uncontrolled occupation of ecologically fragile areas ; 
➢ Support the government in setting up an early warning system to inform people in real time 
and thereby help reduce disaster risks ; 
➢ Harmoni ze the sectoral policies of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with other 
sectoral policies that have an impact on town planning ; 
➢ Strengthen the adaptive  capacities of populations to become resilient to the effects of climate 
change ; 
➢ Review policies, plans and programmes, taking into account emerging environmental 
challenges (land restoration, climate change, adaptation, mitigation, REDD+, persistent 
organ ic pollutants, mercury use in mining sites , etc.); 
➢ Increase the knowledge of policymakers , parliamentarians  and other key stakeholders  of the 
risk of climate change and its effect on socio -economic development ; 
➢ Improve the domestic  capacities of environmen tal protection institutions to formulate 
policies to monitor and assess the impact of climate change on socio -economic development . 
 
6  CONCLUSION  
53. The protection of the environment is one of the priorities of the Central African Government . 
It is in this context that the government has carried out structural reforms to reverse the trends of 
environmental degradation and deterioration in the living conditions of the p opulation . 
54. The crisis has had an impact on and weakened government efforts a nd has prevented it from 
putting the reforms into operation to improve the living conditions of the p opulation , which has  been 
plunged into unprecedented vulnerability . 
55. The government therefore needs to strengthen its partnerships with the international 
community and donors so it can receive strong support in order to translate its political ambitions 
into reality . 
__________