General concerns for all regions in Africa primarily encompass the problems of deforestation, scarcity of water resources, access to clean water sources, and access to non-pollutant energy sources such as electricity. Primary concerns of the northern and some parts of the eastern, western, and southern  3  The World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio +10), African Preparatory Conference for the World Summit on Sustainable Development Nairobi, 15-18 October 2001. 6  BIS Review 74/2004  sub-regions however include the effects of desertification on human development and economic growth. Regional government policies in Tanzania, have led to implementation of environmental management policies aimed at promoting waste management, urban planning, and impact assessments for large projects. Government authorities have created designated protected areas aimed at conserving forests as well as supporting community-based income. This initiative is also being implemented in Zambia. Africa now has a total of 1,254 protected areas, or 7% of the landmass. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) plays an important role in the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the environmental sustainability of the region. Acknowledging the importance of water in development, the SADC Water Sector Coordination Unit was established in 1996. Prior to the formation of this Unit a Protocol on Shared Water Course Systems was ratified by the majority of the SADC Member States. This Protocol aims to promote the availability of fresh water resources in the region.

Although Africa’s exports at the global level are very small at about 2%, the concentration of the exports in the extraction sector is cause for concern on the environment. It means that the more Africa is integrated into the global economy the more the consequences for extraction activities on the environment will become pronounced, unless mitigating measures are taken. In addition, multinational businesses are quickly realising the existence of less strenuous environmental standards in most of the African countries, which themselves are desperately seeking for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). As a result, these businesses are rushing to invest in these economies and realise profits but may never be available to attend to the possible redress of negative effects their business activities leave on the environment. In this respect, as African policy makers and other stakeholders pursue economic growth, it is important to appreciate the benefits presented by the natural ecosystems and diverse forms of wildlife and other species. Despite the economic benefits of constructing roads, mining areas, and farming blocks, there exists a real threat of the destruction of large areas of natural habitats. The emergence of industries and the effect of urbanisation in Africa, has largely contributed towards increased air pollution in many towns and cities. The incidence of smog and respiratory diseases in these areas has increased (UNEP, 2003), and is set to continue this trend in the foreseeable future. Africa does not contribute significantly to the emission of pollutants arising mainly from combustion in complex chemical processes of industries.