14 DAY TRIAL // This week, Beijing is expected to house a meeting between representatives of China and Africa, whose end goal is that of establishing commercial relations between these two countries.
As far as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is concerned, this Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is also a good opportunity for said nations to discuss the possibility of allowing sustainable development and green technologies to take center stage in their future economic projects.
Thus, the green-oriented organization argues that China and Africa can help each other in finding environmentally friendly solutions for the problems they are presently facing, and that this cooperation can and should lead to great benefits for our natural world.
In addition to this, choosing to go green would also positively impact on these countries' long-term prosperity, as such investments and projects typically create new job opportunities and therefore help boost economies.
WWF strongly believes that one of the most pressing problems that needs be dealt with as soon as possible is that of illegal timber trading.
Provided that the aforementioned nations choose to opt for sustainable forest management, this resource is bound to be safeguarded for future generations.
As well as this, China can help Africa in improving on its green energy production, especially given the fact that the former is argued to be one of the world's leaders in terms of renewable energy sources.
Wildlife conservation also falls under intense scrutiny, and WWF explains that, should Chinese officials work towards closing down national ivory and rhino horn markets, these endangered African species could experience a population boom in the not-too-distant future.
On the organization's official website, WWF's International Director General, Jim Leape, argues that “After the failure of Rio+20 and other major international summits to agree on ambitious action for a healthy planet, we hope FOCAC will signal new leadership for the creation of green and sustainable economies.”
Hopefully, the members of the Chinese and of the African government that gathered at this conference will take WWF's advice into consideration and act accordingly.