Lee White, who previously served as the Environment Minister of Gabon, has addressed critical issues surrounding conservation efforts in Africa. His commentary surfaced in the context of the Africa Forward Summit, an event held in Nairobi on May 11-12, 2026.
The summit drew significant attention, gathering heads of state from across the African continent and other regions. Additionally, a large contingent of political, economic, and civil society representatives convened in Kenya’s capital.
The primary focus of these gatherings was the exploration of potential investments. Particular emphasis was placed on strategies related to the energy transition and the procurement of international financial assistance.
White’s remarks highlighted the challenges associated with “carbon cowboys” and the issue of “unpaid pledges,” pointing to systemic obstacles in funding and implementing conservation projects effectively across the continent.
Source: Mongabay