A new approach on climate financing for Least Developed Countries called Climate Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) has been launched with an aim of developing a strong climate finance base at local level.
Speaking during the official launch of the initiative in Salima district, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Eisenhower Mkaka said the financing approach -LIFE-AR would assist vulnerable groups such as women, children and those living with disabilities.
He expressed optimism that the financing would assist government to establish new interventions and investments that the country has identified from the community level going up, rather than from the top down.
“We will work with entire societies such as central government, local government, the academia, private sector, communities, civil society organizations and many more – to plan possible responses to problems that cut across sector silos,” the Minister said.
Mkaka said the country needs more local skills and capacities that would drive sustainable change at the national and local levels hence the initiative would help in building such skills.
“Having the launch here in Salima highlights the importance of district-led, devolved action on climate change. Districts, areas and villages will have a key role to play in the success of LIFE-AR’s new ways of working,” he said.
The Minister said the resources from the LIFE-AR would be channeled towards adaptation, mitigation and climate resilient development in an integrated manner when undertaking planning at the national and local levels.
LIFE-AR development partners include the United Kingdom, governments of Ireland and the United States of America, among other developed countries supporting the initiative.
Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Seamus O’Grady said three districts of Salima, Rumphi and Mangochi have been identified to pilot the initiative, adding that this would give a voice to communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
He said Ireland and other implementing partners are committed to supporting the country financially so that knowledge and capabilities relating to climate action as well as project development and implementation from the bottom up was achieved.
“Least Developed Countries (LDCs) made an offer to those on the international stage that provide climate finance to help countries mitigate and adapt to climate change,” he said.
The initiative was globally launched at the 25th Conference of Parties in December 2019 in Madrid as one of three initiatives for delivering the LDCs by 2050 for a climate resilient future.
