In Africa, most especially Sub-Saharan Africa, the World Bank's mission, to fight poverty, is strongly linked with environmental protection and better management of renewable natural resources. In both rural and urban areas, the poor of Africa are impacted by the loss of natural resources and environmental services. They are also at the highest risk from natural disasters--most particularly floods and drought. This environmental strategy report identifies the current thinking of the Africa region within the World Bank Group. It helps detail the World Bank's commitment to assist African countries make the transition to sustainable economic development by implementing improved management of natural resources and the environment.