Greenpeace opens first African offices to address emerging issues

From its humble beginnings with one small office in Vancouver, B.C. in 1971, Greenpeace has grown into the largest environmental advocacy organization in the world (2). With the opening of the African office, Greenpeace now has offices on six of seven continents. A second African office will be opened on 24 November in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (1) with the arrival of the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise and a third in Dakar, Senegal, early next year. These areas are at heart of environmental conflict on the continent.

"While the environmental threats facing Africans are urgent and critical, Africa is in a position to leapfrog dirty development and become a leader in helping to avert catastrophic climate change and protect the natural environment. We are here to help make that happen," said Amadou Kanoute, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa.

The launch of the African office comes just weeks ahead of the United Nations climate change talks in Poznan, Poland (1-13 December) where agreements will be made to set the world on a path to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prevent human induced climate change.

While Africa contributes very little to global warming, the region will be one of the first and hardest hit by its effects. Over 180 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die as a result of climate change by the end of the century (3). Unpredictable rainfall patterns, lower crop yields and dwindling resources are already causing mass migration, increased tension and conflict.

In the conflict ridden DRC, destruction of one of the world's last large intact rainforests is proceeding unchecked. The forest is threatened by uncontrolled illegal logging to supply wood products to Chinese and European markets and the DRC risks losing 40 per cent of its forest within 40 years. Deforestation of tropical forests accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

For full details about the work of Greenpeace Africa see its new website www.greenpeaceafrica.org also available in French at www.greenpeaceafrique.org.

For further information contact:

• Jessica Wilson, Greenpeace Canada Communications, 778-228-5404
• Richard Brooks, Greenpeace Canada Forest Coordinator, 416-573-7209
• Beth Herzfeld, Greenpeace International Press Officer, +27 (0)82 316 0535
• Amadou Kanoute, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa, +27 (0)71 688 1270

Note to editors:

For footage and sound clips contact Maarten van Rouveroy on +31 6461 97322 or email maarten.van.rouveroy@greenpeace.org

For photographs contact Greenpeace International picture desk on +1 206 300 6511 or email picture.desk.int@greenpeace.org

Notes to editors

1. On 24 November, Greenpeace is bringing its ship the Arctic Sunrise up the Congo River into Matadi to draw attention to the destruction of the rainforest and what it means for the 40 million people who depend on it for their survival, as well as the role of tropical rainforest deforestation in driving climate change. A series of events focusing on the significance of the Congo Basin rainforest for slowing climate change will be held in in Kinshasha, Boma and Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
2. Greenpeace comprises 28 independent offices operating in over 40 countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas, as well as a coordinating body, Greenpeace International. We promote open, informed debate about society's environmental choices. We pursue our goals through research, lobbying and quiet diplomacy, as well as by using high-profile, non-violent direct action. To maintain our independence, Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on contributions from individuals and foundations.
3. Christian Aid, The Climate of Poverty: Facts, fears and hopes, May 2006.