Tunis — Mr. Nadhir Hamada, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development conferred, on Wednesday, with Mrs. Wangari Maathai (Kenya), the 2004 Noble Peace Prize Winner who is paying a visit to Tunisia to take part in a conference held by the African Development Bank (AFDB) on the "Importance of Good Governance in Poverty Reduction Efforts".

The minister underscored Tunisian efforts in environment protection, improvement of living conditions for all citizens and achievement of sustainable development.

In this context, the minister stressed the 2009- 2014 presidential electoral program in focusing on the promotion of ecosystems, strengthening economic competitiveness and development of green energy as well as establishing an environment-friendly economy.

Mrs. Wangari Maathai expressed her admiration to Tunisian development, saying that "Tunisia's successes are not due to mineral resources but rather to the clear-sighted policies of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali".

She also expressed admiration to Tunisia's policies in water management, poverty reduction and efficient use of resources.

On the fringes of the conference, she reminded of the 2009 presidential program including environment protection, sustainable development saying that this program is a coherent approach and stands out as a unique model in Africa.

During her visit to Tunisia, Mrs. Wangari visited the Tunisian International Center for Environmental Technology and National Bank of genes where she took cognizance of various activities, expressing her admiration to these two environmental poles stressing the high level Tunisian environment has reached.