Framework and Tools for Environmental Management in Africa

Preface

Preface For a long time, Africa’s environmental problems have been addressed out of context. This context can be split into two: the colonial and postcolonial periods. Although both of these contexts are worthy of equal attention, it is in the postcolonial era that well calculated strategies to prolong enslavement have been used deliberately by our former masters, leading to the continent’s impoverishment. In addition, many studies on the environment have concentrated on science: evidence of environmental decay, resulting in an information gap in the frameworks and tools for good environmental stewardship. This book, therefore, does not dwell much on repeating and re-presenting the science and the uncontested facts of environmental decay in the continent. Rather, we assume and maintain that enough facts on environmental degradation have already been documented. What is lacking is the need to understand how relevant policy frameworks and tools, available both at global and continental levels, can be utilised to reverse the current and possible prolonged decay in our environment. Discussions of frameworks and tools for environmental management in Africa cannot evade the role of international multilateral environmental agreements, nor other global landmarks, such as the Earth Summit and the Millennium Development Goals. First, the conceptual framework for environmental management in Africa is presented. Selected historical landmarks and donor and aid agency narratives are outlined. The book then sets out selected key environmental tools, such as environmental impact assessment, public participation, environmental education, corporate governance and sustainability. This textbook has been written against the background of short supply of effective and up-to-date educational material on environmental management available to African scholars, industry, educators, government officials and NGOs. Not only are these stakeholders disempowered by the shortage of environmental management material, they are critically short of African-oriented environmental management textbooks. Godwell Nhamo & Ekpe Inyang ...