The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) joins the continent in promoting environmental sustainability, in line with the African Union’s designation of 3 March as Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day.
Through its Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, the Pan-African Parliament advances climate action, combats plastic pollution, and develops model laws to support sustainable resource management across AU Member States.
In November 2025, the Pan-African Parliament adopted the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa, providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat land degradation, enhance soil fertility, and strengthen climate resilience. The Model Law promotes Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), the application of Soil Impact Assessments (SIA) for development projects, and alignment with Sustainable Land Management (SLM) principles.
In partnership with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the Pan-African Parliament has also hosted high-level summits to strengthen parliamentary dialogue on climate policy, climate justice, and the implementation of commitments under the Paris Agreement.
In 2023, the Pan-African Parliament, in collaboration with PACJA, convened the 3rd Pan-African Parliamentarians’ Summit on Climate Policy and Equity. The Summit emphasized the need for tangible outcomes, urging countries to move beyond the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) towards the implementation of practical, locally driven climate actions.
The joint commemoration of Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day was established following a January 2012 decision of the African Union in recognition of the life and legacy of Wangari Maathai, who dedicated her life to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa, and who became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Pan-African Parliament remains committed to strengthening the role of African parliaments in shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the continent.
Pan African Parliament
