The African continent is nearer to achieving a green economy status because of its proximity to nature, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme (Unep).

Steven Stone, the Unep Chief of Economics and Trade Branch, told a news briefing in Nairobi the continent lacks huge investments in fossil based industries.

"Even as Africa grows, it should not lose the link,” Stone said on the sidelines of the first ever UN Environment Assembly (Unea) in Nairobi.

Rwanda was particularly commended for developing a green economy.

 In its national strategy "Green Growth and Climate Resilience” which was rolled out in November 2011, the government laid out measures to achieve sustainable development.

Stone said many citizens of the developed economies do not know where their food comes, from. "Research indicates that the food could contain toxins that are harmful to the body,” he said.

The Unep official said high income countries face a huge burden of lifestyle diseases as a result of unhealthy diets produced using industrial methods.

All the leading causes of death in Africa are associated with lack of adequate nutrition, water and sanitation.

Stone noted that South Africa and Uganda were among countries that have put in place policies to promote adoption of green economies.

"There is also a high degree of use of organic food in Africa which has less impact on the environment,” he said.

The official said Africa also has the capacity to lead the world in developing innovative technologies for the green economy. Kenya already leads the world in use of mobile money technology.

"All that is needed is more knowledge to accelerate adoption of green technology,” he said.

The five-day conference brought together environment ministers, decision makers, scientists, civil society representatives and business leaders.

The conference seeks to address illegal trade in wildlife, air quality and pollution, financing the Green Economy, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Post- 2015 Development Agenda, including sustainable consumption and production.