TITLE:
Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Belt and Road Projects in East and Central Africa
AUTHORS:
Abdikani Jama Hassan
KEYWORDS:
Belt and Road Initiative, Environmental and Social Sustainability, East Africa, Central Africa, Environmental Impact
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
22,
2024
ABSTRACT: As an important objective of the “Belt and Road” initiative, this paper focuses on countries in Central and East Africa, aligning with a key goal of the “Belt and Road” development. This research analyzes aspects of environmental and social sustainability of the “Belt and Road” initiative as well as development possibility of the project. Questionnaires were sent to the two regions to collect the understanding of the East and Central African respondents on the “Belt and Road” initiative, and data analysis was conducted to summarize the changes it brings to the sustainable development of the environment and society. The results of the survey show that the majority of respondents were young, urban males, with students making up the largest occupational category. While awareness of specific BRI-funded environmental protection measures varied, the project was widely seen as having a positive influence on both environmental sustainability and social development. The findings show a strong link between environmental and social sustainability and economic growth, with social sustainability having a larger impact. However, the study notes obstacles like insufficient cultural preservation and geopolitical issues that might hamper the BRI’s long-term success in the region. Despite these limitations, the BRI has contributed positively to improving local economies and the quality of life.