* Botswana has many duplicate programs * ACS outcomes require Bots to adequately prepare to align ourselves appropriately - Kereng
The absence of Climate Finance Mapping (CMA) and Climate Finance Investment Plan (CFIP) respectively leads to Botswana experience a duplication in the implementation of Climate Change initiatives.
This revelation comes just after the recent inaugural Africa Climate Summit that was held in Kenya. Local and international based experts who spoke on condition of anonymity told Botswana Guardian that Climate Finance Mapping (CMA) and Climate Finance Investment Plan (CFIP) are indicators of what support the country needs, as well as what already exists.
They argue that there is no country that has made significant progress on climate finance without the two. Climate Finance Investment Plan is said to be similar to Resource Mobilisation Strategy but, it is more robust and accurate.
The experts argue that Africa Climate Summit (ACS) had three objectives - to address increasing vulnerabilities of the African Continent, the result of which was the Nairobi Declaration.
Secondly, it was to redefine the climate change narrative in the international space - the anticipated outcome is the common position for COP 28 subsumed into the Declaration. Thirdly, to catalyse climate investment in Africa.
Clear duplications are in, for example, support on Carbon and Climate resilient vision, which can also mean Climate Change Policy. Another duplication is the early warning systems, as Botswana already has three under the Ministry of Environment, one at the Department of Forestry and Range (DFRR) on wild fires supported by Australians, another at DMS supported by Germans and the last one developed by UNDP under the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in Ngamiland Project.
In an interview with Botswana Guardian, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Philda Kereng highlighted that the Summit was aimed at addressing the urgent and pressing issues of climate change faced by the African continent. It brought together leaders, policymakers, scientists, activists, and stakeholders from various African countries, as well as international organisations.
She said that the key focal points of the summit were to raise awareness about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Africa and the need for immediate action. The delegates recognised that Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, water scarcity, and agricultural disruptions, which pose significant threats to livelihoods, food security, and economic development.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a robust and comprehensive Declaration, outlining concrete measures and actions to be taken by African countries and international partners. The Declaration underscores Africa's determination to address climate change comprehensively. It is aimed at mobilising international support, enhancing regional cooperation, and accelerating actions towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the African continent.
Key points and objectives of the Declaration include; Commitment to climate action: The Declaration reiterates African countries' commitment to taking ambitious actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It emphasises the urgency of these actions to protect the continent's people, ecosystems, and economies. The Declaration also recognises the need for both mitigation and adaptation measures.
It emphasises the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, promoting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land use practices. Additionally, it stresses the significance of building resilient infrastructure and ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Recognising the immense financial burden on African countries, the Declaration calls for increased financial support from developed nations and international institutions. It highlights the need for scaled-up climate finance to assist African nations in implementing their climate plans and projects effectively.
The Declaration also emphasises the importance of technology transfer and capacity building initiatives for African countries. It calls for enhanced cooperation among nations to facilitate the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies, knowledge sharing, and capacity development to strengthen Africa's ability to address climate change.
It also acknowledges the significant role of ecosystems in mitigating and adapting to climate change, the Declaration emphasises the promotion of nature-based solutions. It encourages the conservation and restoration of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats, which can contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
The Declaration further highlights the importance of collaboration and regional cooperation among African countries. It emphasises the need for sharing best practices, experiences, and resources to strengthen regional climate action and address trans-boundary climate issues effectively.
Kereng said for Botswana, these outcomes require that the country adequately prepares to align appropriately across all the economic sector, so as to be ready to receive support that will enable it to adapt and mitigate the climate change impacts.
She said opportunities for Botswana include; increased funding opportunities for climate-related projects, allowing for the implementation of sustainable solutions in Botswana.
During the Summit, the delegation held a meeting with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on climate change support to Botswana. The Bank will fund the implementation of a project to develop Botswana’s long-term low carbon and climate resilience vision.
Further, that the Summit served as a platform for promotion of collaboration between African nations and international partners, including governments, businesses, and research institutions.
At the Summit, Botswana met with various partners inclusive of NEMA, who are mentoring and supporting National Development Bank (NDB) in its accreditation processes with the Adaptation Fund.
The delegation also met with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) who will assist Botswana to implement an early warming project (Clim-Dev) in Botswana.
This revelation comes just after the recent inaugural Africa Climate Summit that was held in Kenya. Local and international based experts who spoke on condition of anonymity told Botswana Guardian that Climate Finance Mapping (CMA) and Climate Finance Investment Plan (CFIP) are indicators of what support the country needs, as well as what already exists.
They argue that there is no country that has made significant progress on climate finance without the two. Climate Finance Investment Plan is said to be similar to Resource Mobilisation Strategy but, it is more robust and accurate.
The experts argue that Africa Climate Summit (ACS) had three objectives - to address increasing vulnerabilities of the African Continent, the result of which was the Nairobi Declaration.
Secondly, it was to redefine the climate change narrative in the international space - the anticipated outcome is the common position for COP 28 subsumed into the Declaration. Thirdly, to catalyse climate investment in Africa.
Clear duplications are in, for example, support on Carbon and Climate resilient vision, which can also mean Climate Change Policy. Another duplication is the early warning systems, as Botswana already has three under the Ministry of Environment, one at the Department of Forestry and Range (DFRR) on wild fires supported by Australians, another at DMS supported by Germans and the last one developed by UNDP under the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in Ngamiland Project.
In an interview with Botswana Guardian, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Philda Kereng highlighted that the Summit was aimed at addressing the urgent and pressing issues of climate change faced by the African continent. It brought together leaders, policymakers, scientists, activists, and stakeholders from various African countries, as well as international organisations.
She said that the key focal points of the summit were to raise awareness about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Africa and the need for immediate action. The delegates recognised that Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, water scarcity, and agricultural disruptions, which pose significant threats to livelihoods, food security, and economic development.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a robust and comprehensive Declaration, outlining concrete measures and actions to be taken by African countries and international partners. The Declaration underscores Africa's determination to address climate change comprehensively. It is aimed at mobilising international support, enhancing regional cooperation, and accelerating actions towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the African continent.
Key points and objectives of the Declaration include; Commitment to climate action: The Declaration reiterates African countries' commitment to taking ambitious actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It emphasises the urgency of these actions to protect the continent's people, ecosystems, and economies. The Declaration also recognises the need for both mitigation and adaptation measures.
It emphasises the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, promoting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land use practices. Additionally, it stresses the significance of building resilient infrastructure and ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Recognising the immense financial burden on African countries, the Declaration calls for increased financial support from developed nations and international institutions. It highlights the need for scaled-up climate finance to assist African nations in implementing their climate plans and projects effectively.
The Declaration also emphasises the importance of technology transfer and capacity building initiatives for African countries. It calls for enhanced cooperation among nations to facilitate the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies, knowledge sharing, and capacity development to strengthen Africa's ability to address climate change.
It also acknowledges the significant role of ecosystems in mitigating and adapting to climate change, the Declaration emphasises the promotion of nature-based solutions. It encourages the conservation and restoration of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats, which can contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
The Declaration further highlights the importance of collaboration and regional cooperation among African countries. It emphasises the need for sharing best practices, experiences, and resources to strengthen regional climate action and address trans-boundary climate issues effectively.
Kereng said for Botswana, these outcomes require that the country adequately prepares to align appropriately across all the economic sector, so as to be ready to receive support that will enable it to adapt and mitigate the climate change impacts.
She said opportunities for Botswana include; increased funding opportunities for climate-related projects, allowing for the implementation of sustainable solutions in Botswana.
During the Summit, the delegation held a meeting with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on climate change support to Botswana. The Bank will fund the implementation of a project to develop Botswana’s long-term low carbon and climate resilience vision.
Further, that the Summit served as a platform for promotion of collaboration between African nations and international partners, including governments, businesses, and research institutions.
At the Summit, Botswana met with various partners inclusive of NEMA, who are mentoring and supporting National Development Bank (NDB) in its accreditation processes with the Adaptation Fund.
The delegation also met with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) who will assist Botswana to implement an early warming project (Clim-Dev) in Botswana.
