On the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated every year on June 5th, CAFRAD strongly reaffirms its dedication to environmental protection and to promoting inclusive and ecologically responsible public governance in Africa.

This year, the day is themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, serving as a global call to action in response to mounting environmental threats: pollution, deforestation, the depletion of natural resources, climate change, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), marine pollution by micro- and nano-plastics, among others. These critical challenges demand urgent, collective, and coordinated responses.

Every action matters. By strengthening the capacities of African public institutions to integrate environmental imperatives into their policies, supporting green innovation, and fostering a culture of sustainability, we contribute to building a more resilient, equitable, and nature-respecting future.

Inspired by the humanist vision of Wangari Maathai—the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her environmental activism—CAFRAD reminds us that “Nature is patient, but it has its limits.” In this spirit, the Organization is intensifying its efforts to support public reforms that promote ecological governance.

Recognizing that the ecological transition cannot take place without a profound transformation of governance systems, CAFRAD is stepping up its support for member states in implementing sustainable public policies. Today, such transformation must involve adopting development models that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and place environmental considerations at the heart of public decision-making.

World Environment Day is more than a symbolic date: it is a yearly opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the planet. It is also a call for concrete action—at local, national, regional, and international levels. Each of us has a role to play.

“There is no Planet B.” Let us be the stewards of the environment, our nurturing mother!