Google Translate
Africa Adaptation Programme’s innovative approach showcased to African negotiators at UNFCCC gathering in Bonn
Body:
On Sunday, June 6th, the AAP held an informal social gathering at the UNFCCC Bonn meetings, intended to create an environment where African negotiators from AAP countries could get more acquainted with the AAP and engage in discussions with AAP experts, UNDP staff and members of the Japanese delegation to the UNFCCC meetings. Over 30 African negotiators from both AAP and non-AAP countries participated at the gathering.
Introductory messages were given by Mr. Masaki Noke, Deputy Director General of International Cooperation at the Japan MOFA. In his opening speech, Mr Noke, reiterated the commitment of Japan, in spite of the disaster that hit the country a few months ago, to its climate changes engagements; he confirmed that Japan had doubled its initial commitments to climate changes, a decision announced on the occasion of the recent TICAD meeting held in Dakar, may 2011.
“The Africa Adaptation Programme provides an opportunity to assist African countries in overcoming their vulnerabilities to climate change, promote sustainable development and achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” said Mr. Noke.
Mr, David Payton, on behalf of UNDP, welcomed the participants, thanked the Government of Japan for their generous support to the AAP programme and their commitment to CCA issues in spite of the recent disaster. Mr. Payton congratulated the participants for the high level of the debate, the pertinence and relevance of issues raised and reaffirmed the commitment of UNDP and the AAP to support the national governments in implementation of the AAP.
“UNDP is committed to making AAP a success. We are determined to work closely with our African partners and we know that the strong support of Japan lies at the heart of the success we all seek,” said Mr. Payton.
Jose Levy, AAP Knowledge Management Expert also made a 15 minute presentation of AAP, highlighting the major aspects of the programme, with emphasis on (i) its strategic nature, (ii) the target audience, namely decision makers and (iii) the need to link the programme to low emission carbon resilient development strategies.
“The Africa Adaptation Programme is enhancing adaptive capacity of countries to climate change risks, promoting early action and laying the foundation for long-term adaptation planning, integrating climate change into all national development plans,” said Mr. Levy.
AAP is a flagship programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), established in 2008 in partnership with UNIDO, UNICEF and WFP, and funded by a $92.1 million grant from the Government of Japan. The programme assists the governments of 20 African countries to promote integrated and comprehensive approaches to climate change adaptation. For more information on the Africa Adaptation Programme, please visit www.undp-adaptation.org/africaprogramme.
