Eco- Industrial Parks and their Potential Contribution to Sustainable Industrialization

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dominate and playa key role i,: socialan economic development of Africa. They are also responsible for between 5 an 25% of the GDPs of the countries. This contribution to GDP is growing steadilyi most countries at rates in the range 1 - 8%. Above all, these SMEs employ 5-15 of the economically active population outside agriculture in Africa (UNEP2004). However, this favourable development picture, that is responsible for the rapid urbanization being witnessed in many African countries today, is not sustainable since it has been achieved at a great cost to the environment and society. Natural resources continue to be depleted and pollution Of terrestrial, atmospheric and aquatic systems increasingly rising to serious levels in most African countries. Industrial pollution around capital cities and other economically important towns now presents new challenges to local authorities.