THE government is finalising the 1997 National Environmental Policy review and taking into consideration Climate Change adaptation to minimise its adverse effects on the earth’s climate system.
Addressing fifth Climate Change Symposium here yesterday, Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office for Environment and Union Affairs, Mr January Makamba, said the policy review process is at final stage for endorsement by the ministers’ cabinet.
“The policy review will provide the government with framework for the implementation of National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy,” pointed out the Minister, while opening the Climate Change symposium.
The Climate Change symposium is an annual Forum CC flagship event that brings together representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government, development partners, academic institutions and community to discuss and propose solutions to address Climate Change.
However, Mr Makamba welcomed the deliberations, which would be reached at the meeting, adding that the government would work on them.
According to a representative of Forum CC, Mr Erick Mugurusi, this year’s event, which goes with the theme “Achieving Policy Coherence, Inspiring Accountable Climate Actions” emphasises policy harmonisation between sectors to promote Climate Change adaptation actions.
“The forum provides participants with platform to share innovative thinking and networking for long lasting solutions, which drive policy coherence for Climate Change adaptation action,” he said.
Mr Mugurusi said that the symposium would have plenary and break-out sessions, which focus on sub-themes, further pointing out that the main plenary session would specifically address National Determined Contributions Implementation.
“The discussion will contribute to and recommend better policy options and actions to fulfil our national Climate Change objectives and contribute to global efforts,” he observed.
On her side, Oxfam Campaign Manager, Ms Jovietha Mlay, underscored the need for gender inclusion in intervention of Climate Change, saying that women and children are mostly affected by adverse effects of Climate Change, but under represented.
“I urge the government and development partners to consider gender, while designing programmes to address Climate Change,” she added.
