This report was prepared by the UN EMG's Issue Management Group on Green Economy to assess how the United Nations system could coherently support countries in transitioning to a green economy. The report aimes to facilitate a common understanding of the green economy approach and the measures required for the transition. This report was written in the run-up to the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), where one of the themes was "green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication".
The "Africa Ecological Footprint Report : Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security" takes stock of the health of Africa’s ecosystems, as well as trends in resources use patterns. It also lays out recommendations on implementing green development pathways for Africa . The report highlights a steep decline in biodiversity in Africa: 40% in 40 years. This decline reflects a degradation of the natural systems upon which Africa’s current and future prosperity depends. In addition, rapid population growth and increasing prosperity are changing consumption patterns, with the result that Africa’s ecological footprint—the area needed to generate the resources consumed by a given group or activity – has been growing steadily. Africa's total ecological footprint is set to double by 2040. Continuing on a business-as-usual scenario means jeapordizing the natural systems on which lives and economies depend. Yet Africa is in an advantageous position to act. This report showcases successful initiatives across Africa as solutions to be up-scaled in areas such as renewable energy, integrated water resource management, ecotourism, and forest conservation.