In the media
Haiti, a Caribbean nation endowed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, finds itself grappling with a myriad of challenges, from environmental degradation to political instability. UNDP is taking innovative steps to help the country address these in an integrated way.
The intervention in the Trois-Rivieres Watershed is part of a broader effort to support the Haitian Government and people address climate security challenges. UNDP helped to support Haiti’s first ever assessment of climate security challenges and participates in a recently established Climate Security Group. The project embodies the main aspects that this Group agrees are needed to address compound environmental and conflict risks: establishing a common understanding among stakeholders on what the linkages are; ensuring synergy and complementarity of actions; adapting mechanisms to better finance peacebuilding and climate change actions; technical capacity-building and making the most of technologies and research structures. Above all the project suggests pragmatic ways to close the funding gap and try and ensure that communities living in areas affected by both insecurity and climate change are empowered to adapt to multi-dimensional risks. This is climate security in practice.
Felizita Da Conceciao Mendoza, 23-year-old, is an engineering student learning in a programme “Safeguarding Rural Communities and their Physical Assets from Climate-induced Disasters in Timor-Leste” supported by the government of Timor-Leste and UNDP Green Climate Fund (GCF) project. Felizita is one of five women in 27 engineering students in the GCF training programme. “I am working as a technical supervisor in the Ministry of Public in Aileu Municipality. My educational background is civil engineering, which motivated me to participate in this training programme” said Felizita.
SWAT: Glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs) have wreaked havoc on people’s lives and livelihoods in the picturesque valleys of Utror, Gabral, and Mankiyal in northern Pakistan.
The residents told Dawn that the catastrophic events triggered by the accelerated melting of glaciers due to climate change had uprooted entire villages, leaving locals displaced and fearing for their future.
A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the alarming surge in Glof occurrences in Pakistan, with 83 such events recorded in 2023 alone.
A five-day workshop focusing on Community Conservation Areas (CCA) has been held in Vanuatu to chart a path forward regarding implementation of the Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zones of Vanuatu – Phase II project (V-CAP II).
The project is supported by the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Vanuatu, with implementation being carried out by the Ministry of Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of Environment Protection and Conservation, and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.
V-CAP II aims to improve the resilience of vulnerable areas and communities in Vanuatu to the impacts of climate change through the conservation of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and the implementation of integrated approaches in order to sustain livelihoods, food production. These efforts will ensure biodiversity conservation and reduce land degradation by building on the lessons learned from the first phase project. The project, which runs through May 2028, is being implemented in all six provinces of Vanuatu: Torba, Sanma, Malampa, Penama, Shefa, and Tafea
In a significant step towards strengthening their resilience to climate change, Ethiopia, Tanzania and the Solomon Islands have collectively secured more than US$27 million from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) for developing comprehensive early warning systems. The investment from the United Nations multi-partner trust fund will go towards addressing critical gaps in their weather observation systems and enhance their capacities to predict and respond to climate-related hazards.
Climate information and early warning systems are key to safeguarding lives, livelihoods and a country’s development, particularly in the face of more frequent, intense and unpredictable extreme weather events.
The Republic of Moldova will strengthen its resilience to the intensifying climate-related extreme weather events, such as floods and flash floods, that cause loss of life and property damage. The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation, provides a total of about €4 million to build the national hydro-meteorological monitoring and early warning systems and to apply an integrated water resources management approach to five key watersheds. The funds are offered through UNDP, via "Hydro-infrastructure rehabilitation to mitigate vulnerability to climate-driven extreme events in the Republic of Moldova" project, which will be implemented until the end of 2027.
According to the 2024 Regional Human Development Report published by UNDP, Asia-Pacific is most dynamic and the fastest growing regions. It has gained 19 percentage points in the Human Development Index (HDI) and Cambodia has been on the forefront in significantly reducing multidimensional poverty. This growth, however, comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, especially in the face of the climate crisis—a crisis that threatens to unravel decades of developmental gains. Progress has not been distributed equally. We are facing an uncertain future, therefore Cambodia has to focus on reducing inequality, vulnerability and human insecurity. One of the paths highlighted by the report is to accelerate climate change adaptation and diversifying the local economy. This is especially important as Cambodia ranks amongst the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Based on modelling conducted in 2019 by UNDP, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Environment, it was estimated that climate change is likely to reduce absolute GDP by 2.5 percent by 2030 and by almost 10 percent by 2050. A World Bank report published in 2023 reached similar findings. Therefore, we need to commit to sustainable development, powered by the innovations of Cambodian start-ups and the support of the global investment community.
Represenative from the different sector have participated in this siginificant meeting held recenlty. Twelve new municipalities are going to implement the project in the near future as well so that the effect of climate change can be mitigated.
It is to be noted that the project “Reduction of the Risk of Climate Change Disasters in Georgia” will be implemented in additional and existing municipalities of country. The project is already underway in the Gori, Lagodekhi, Signaghi, Telavi, Akhmeta, Samtredia, Abasha, Senaki, Khobi, Kobuleti, Ozurgeti, Lanchkhuti, Chokhatauri.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will be visiting Bangladesh in her capacity as a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from March 18 to 21.
It was the first official mission since her appointment as a UNDP goodwill ambassador in October, the UN agency said.
"The crown princess's visit is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of Bangladesh’s development journey and strengthen partnerships towards a resilient and inclusive future," said Ulrika Modéer, UN assistant secretary-general and director of external relations and advocacy at UNDP, who will accompany the crown princess during the visit.
In the majestic landscapes of Northern Pakistan, a silent catastrophe is unfolding. Rising temperatures have taken a toll on the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan glaciers, causing them to melt at an alarming rate. As a result, glacial lakes have emerged, shimmering like jewels amidst the rugged terrain. These glacial lakes pose a significant risk of flooding events, capable of unleashing devastation upon the land and its people. Over seven million people live in the shadow of an impending disaster.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Government of Pakistan, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is implementing a comprehensive project to mitigate the risks posed by these glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), helping communities preserve indigenous practices such as glacier grafting, avalanche harvesting, and ice stupas for water conservation in the valleys of the north. The goal is twofold: to safeguard local communities and provide early warnings of potentially catastrophic flood events.
A $1.12 million water tank project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide a safe and climate resilient water supply for schools in Tonga. At the signing of the agreement on 20 March, the Acting CEO for Finance, Ms. Pisila ‘Otunuku, said that the project will ensure the sustainable management of water that is safe, clean, and accessible, especially for children and vulnerable people.
In a world where environmental degradation poses a grave threat to our existence, the urgency for ecosystem restoration has never been more apparent.
In Uganda, the 7th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) held from 18 - 22 March 2024, under the theme "Rethinking collective action and innovative solutions to water, environment, and climate change crisis," served as a poignant platform to reflect on the journey of Nyamuhizi Wetland restoration.
Nyamuhizi Wetland, located in Mitooma district, Uganda, stands as an example of the global challenges. Once a flourishing ecosystem, Nyamuhizi endured significant degradation, echoing the plight of many wetlands around the world. However, amidst this despair, there exists a beacon of hope. Through collaborative efforts spearheaded by the government of Uganda and UNDP, supported by funding from the Green Climate Fund, alongside active engagement from local communities, Nyamuhizi is undergoing a remarkable resurgence.
The Government of Japan announced a contribution of US$500.000 to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve Moldova’s agriculture’s resilience to climate change and disasters that affect livelihoods.
“The past few years have been difficult for the farmers all over the world, and particularly for Moldovan farmers which were affected by climate change and droughts, the various types of economic pressure from Russia, and high prices of raw materials also caused by Russia’s war. I can only pay great respect to the way Moldova's farmers and the entire society have managed to cope with such challenges. I feel proud to stand with such brave people. We thank the UNDP and other UN agencies and the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture for their effective help in implementing this project,” said Yoichiro Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova.
A workshop in Masvingo, hosted with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, sought to bring together media to strengthen the strategic role of media advocacy on climate proofing agriculture and climate resilient livelihoods.
The workshop included a tour of climate proofed Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Scheme project in Mwenezi being implemented under the Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Africa programme. The programme is being implemented and co-funded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in partnership with Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is ramping up efforts to empower farmers and achieve Vision 2030’s goal of becoming a middle-income nation.
The initiative leverages a project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GFC) called “Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Africa” and focuses on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly women farmers, in the face of growing climate challenges.
Speaking at a GCF media workshop in Masvingo yesterday Mrs Barbara Machekano, acting Director of communications for the Ministry said they were empowering farmers by expanding irrigation capacity.
The tiny island nation of Tuvalu produces a minuscule amount of pollution but is the nation suffering most from climate change as it sinks into the ground.
The camera is zoomed in on a suited and booted Simon Kofe, Tuvalu's foreign minister, as he addresses COP26 from his country.
"We must take action today to secure tomorrow," he says, as the shot slowly pans out and reveals that he is standing thigh-high in ocean water.
The Adaptation Initiative for Climate Vulnerable Offshore Small Islands and Riverine Charland in Bangladesh Project, a collaborative effort between the Department of Environment (DoE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was launched on Wednesday with an inception workshop at Charfesson Upazila Parishad in Bhola.
This five-year project, initiated in January 2023 and funded by the Adaptation Fund through UNDP, aims to significantly enhance climate resilience at both household and community levels. The project encompasses a multifaceted approach to address the diverse challenges posed by climate change, with a focus on vulnerable communities living on coastal islands and riverine chars in Bangladesh.
Fiji Government representatives, United Nations (UN) agencies and other key stakeholders have convened in Suva to lead an important initiative aimed at strengthening Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Fiji. Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji, the core objective of the initiative is to develop a Green Climate Fund (GCF) proposal that will address challenges and improve the effectiveness of Fiji’s EWS.
Despite the acknowledged efficacy of EWS in mitigating disasters, global deficiencies persist, particularly in translating warnings into timely actions. In response to this pressing need, the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative was launched by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2022.
In his opening address, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, the Honorable Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized the pressing need for Pacific Island Countries to confront the dual challenges of frequent natural hazards and limited risk management capacity. “The Advancing Early Warning for All project is more than just a project; it's a commitment to the safety and well-being of every Fijian. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that our nation is better prepared, more resilient, and capable of thriving in the face of adversity,” Minister Ditoka stated.
In the community of Aguacatal, in the picturesque municipality of Ojojona, in Francisco Morazán, an area that was affected by the barking weevil, one of the most destructive pests for pine forests, lives a group of women who meet periodically to make bread that they then sell in their communities. This allows them to generate decent livelihoods, such as support for their homes, and, in addition, they have learned to take care of and choose the right wood to bake their products, without having to destroy the forests.
In the small bakery, women have learned how to transform flour into delicious seeds, buns, cookies and other delicacies. Also, women have learned about the importance of community organization - as an agent that generates positive changes in their environment - basic knowledge of administration, which they put into practice in their bakery, and to continue taking care of the forests.
A national consultation workshop on the Green and Resilient Debt Platform (GRDP) organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dhaka has focused on mobilizing debt capital for sustainable initiatives through innovative financial instruments.
In light of the growing climate crisis and Bangladesh’s national and international commitments on climate actions, there is an escalating need for climate finance.
Despite a global increase in climate finance - to $940 billion in 2021 - there remains a significant gap in reaching the most vulnerable nations. In response, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nordic Development Fund, in collaboration with UNDP, are launching a multi-country project proposal to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) called the Green and Resilience Debt Platform (GRDP).