The ECOWAS Commission, conscious of the delicate balance between the environment and development, has taken measures to promote the sustainable use and management of the region’s natural resources as well as the avoidance and appropriate management of pollution.

Through the Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources, the ECOWAS Commission uses the ECOWAS Environmental Policy (ECOWEP) amongst several instruments in guiding its efforts to manage the environment sustainably in the West African region.