The interviews “People at the Heart of PAGE” feature individuals that have collaborated with PAGE at a given time. The purpose is to voice experiences, opinions, and insights on how the green economy is evolving and how the green economic transformation is being implemented around the world.
Mr. Pamoussa Ouedraogo is the Permanent Secretary at Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development of Burkina Faso. His first contact with the PAGE team was in 2014, when he took part in the Green Academy training course in Turin.
Mr. Ouedraogo is an Inspector of Water and Forests by profession. He holds a Master’s degree in Territorial Planning from the Politecnico di Torino in Italy, and a specialised Master’s degree in Environment and Sustainable Development from the Université Aube Nouvelle in Burkina Faso. Additionally, he also holds a Certificate in Green Economy from the International Training Centre of the ILO in Italy and a Certificate in Climate Vulnerability Analysis obtained in Manilla in the Philippines.
In the course of his almost 30-year career, Pamoussa has held various positions of responsibility in Burkina Faso, including Director General of the Ecole Nationale des Eaux et Forêts and Director General of the Green Economy and Climate Change. He is currently Permanent Secretary of the National Council for Sustainable Development. Recognised for his loyal service and dedication, he has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre de l’Etalon and the Médaille d’honneur des Eaux et forêts.
Reinforcing Burkina Faso’s good perception of the green economy
Burkina Faso has one of the lowest carbon emissions and ecological footprints in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its economy is heavily focused on agriculture and extractive industries, which together account for over 40% of GDP and over 90% of the country’s exports.
However, it faces challenges in the form of limited natural resources, high poverty levels and inequality. The Government has taken forward several national initiatives that highlight the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
In December 2022, Burkina Faso celebrated eight years of achievements under PAGE after joining the partnership in 2014. In December 2023, the country held the second edition of the National Academy on the Green Economy.
In this interview, Mr. Ouedraogo tells us about the evolution of green economy in Burkina Faso and the opportunities it offers to the country.
