Alongside the urgency of fulfilling short-term economic growth prospects, long-term goals of sustainable development cannot be ignored. The Action Plan of the Environment Initiative of NEPAD takes into considerationthe long -erm approach towards environmental sustainability, socio-economic development and poverty eradication. Pollution, forests and plant genetic resources, fresh water, capacity-building and technology transfer are some of the current challenges to be addressed by the programme.  The programme is divided into projects and activities encompassing areas identified in the Environment Initiative, which will be implemented over a 10year period.