China, Africa have much to share in environmental protection

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-24 14:56

Africa contributes only about 3 percent of the world's climate change emissions yet it is arguably the most vulnerable to climate change.

"Africa has realized that 'environment has no frontier' and it is the biggest victim of deteriorating environment, it is willing to join the global action of protecting environment," said Zhang.

The Chinese representative praised Africa's increased environmental awareness, saying the United Nations Climate Change Conference will be for the first time held in Africa as a result of the African Union's appeal.

The event, scheduled for November6-17 in Nairobi, "is expected to be able to better address Africa's concern about its environment," Zhang said.

He highlighted some well-developed environmentally friendly practice in Africa, saying it is useful reference for China.

"For example, Kenya has comprehensive laws and mechanism of protecting wildlife and such protection has become part of the nation's culture," he said.

Zhang encouraged Chinese businesses engaged in environmental protection to come to Africa to explore opportunities and suggested other Chinese businesses take environment into consideration when conducting projects in Africa as "it can help companies to set up positive image, which is significant for the long-term business development."

The Chinese government has pledged to actively promote China-Africa cooperation in climate change, water resources conservation, anti-desertification, bio-diversity and other areas of environmental protection by facilitating technological exchange.

Zhang said he believed the upcoming ministerial meeting and summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation can add strong momentum to the cooperation between the world's largest developing country and the continent encompassing the largest number of developing countries in environmental protection.

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