The Strategic Plan of ACI Africa outlines the need to develop air transport in Africa whilst considering the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With the Aviation Industry commitment to the Net Zero Carbon Goal by 2050, UN SDG 13, Climate Action, appears to be the one most visibly related to airports activities.
Airports are economic hubs and their activities can touch on all SDGs. For this reason, ACI Africa ESD regional committee has taken a holistic approach in addressing Environment and Sustainable Development matters and proactively work and promote measures and programs regarding the protection of the environment in Africa.
The goal for implementing the ESD Awards is to recognize the importance of environment management in airport performance. This recognition will be used to:
- Recognize all ACI Africa airports that strive to achieve Environment and Sustainable Development best practices;
- Encourage members to reduce airport operations environmental impacts;
- Promote airports efforts in Environment and Sustainable Development;
- Encourage decision-makers to include in their corporate strategy an approach on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to Environment protection;
- Support competency building on Environment and Sustainable Development for African Airports and build a strong community of Environment experts in African Aviation Industry;
- Encourage the efforts of airport personnel;
- Share best practices in terms of Environment management in the airport community;
- Give visibility to airports leaders in ESD fields;
- Develop a culture of excellence in airport management in Africa;
- Showcase the contribution of airports to the development of our region, and
- Lead by example and position the airport industry as a model in the continent regarding Environment and Sustainable Development.