NEWS- The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has proposed a nationwide tree-planting exercise to restore the country’s forest cover and mitigate the harsh weather conditions that have devastated communities.
Mr. Kumumanya made these remarks while chairing the inaugural meeting of the multi-sectoral Project Technical Advisory Committee for the UNCDF-Funded Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility at the Ministry Headquarters this afternoon.
The meeting was attended by several officials from various MDAs and UNCDF.
Mr. Kumumanya called on MDAs and development partners to support local governments in taking the lead on climate resilience initiatives, emphasizing that they are best positioned to combat climate change at the grassroots level.
He noted that erratic weather patterns, characterized by irregular rainfall, mudslides, excessive lightning, invasive pests, and rising temperatures, contribute to the factors that trap people in poverty.
He also expressed gratitude to the UNCDF for its 30-year commitment to supporting the local government sector through numerous initiatives, including LoCAL.
Launched in 2011, the LoCAL Facility was designed to channel climate financing to local governments, helping them mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Initially piloted in four districts, the facility has since been expanded to 10 other local governments.
Local governments that meet the funding criteria invest in adaptation and mitigation initiatives based on their priorities. These initiatives include agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure, water and sanitation improvements, healthcare facilities, and energy efficiency projects.
Ms. Justine Audrain, the LoCAL Facility Manager at UNCDF, emphasized the importance of community engagement in identifying and implementing climate adaptation investments. She projected that by the fiscal year 2025/26, the facility would be scaled up nationwide.
