Environmental degradation and the depletion of resources threaten Africa's biological systems as well as human health and the quality of human life. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, particularly in the industrialized countries which do not reflect adequate concern for environmental conservation and rehabilitation are also at the root of the numerous environmental problems, notably in Africa which constitutes a substantial portion of the global ecosystem from which the developed world has been benefitting for its own development. To this end, the integration of environmental dimensions into development becomes imperative.

While aiming at achieving Africa's sustainable development goals through pursuing sound environmental policies, the African Environment and Development Agenda must operate to enhance global action for environment and sustainabilty in social and economic development.

The importance of mobilizing all the global resources for environment and development programme activities has been greatly emphasized, It has also been emphazised that one of the surest way of doing this is to democratize decision making and involvement in development activities and environmental management.