GRASSROOTS ADAPTATION - Malawi develops LIFE-AR communication strategy
LIFE-AR is an initiative that supports LDCs in achieving 2050 vision for a climate resilient future and resilient development pathways by 2030 and net-zero emission by 2050
DOWA, Malawi (Planet Defence) – Malawi is developing a communication strategy to ensure effective linkages on adaptation at the grassroots level as the first cohort countries to implement the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR)
LIFE-AR is an initiative that supports LDCs in achieving the 2050 vision for a climate resilient future: all countries to be on climate-resilient development pathways by 2030 and deliver net-zero emissions by 2050.
The communication strategy which is yet to be officially unveiled aims to increase awareness and understanding of the LIFE-AR initiative. It will also enhance stakeholder participation and engagement during the implementation in pilot districts of Rumphi, Salima and Mangochi.
Clement Tikiwa, Chief Environmental Officer responsible for information, communication and education at Environmental Affairs Department presided over the communication strategy review process.
Tikiwa stressed LIFE-AR is geared towards mobilising resources for interventions for climate change. The project he added has come to leverage finance as climate change has affected so many sectors in Malawi
“This communication strategy is being developed so that all stakeholders and players in the climate change sector can now undestand how it will be implemented. More importantly, to ensure we mobilise resources so that communities can adapt to climate change and remain resilient in the long-term,” Tikiwa explained in an interview when asked to comment on why the strategy.
In 2019 during United Nations Conference of Parties (COP 25) in Spain, the following countries namely Austria, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, The Gambia, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Malawi, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Uganda signed the LDC, LIFE-AR as a declaration of support to the principles of strengthened development cooperation in working towards the LDC 2050 vision.
The LDC Group launched the vision at the UN Climate Action Summit aimed to deliver climate-resilient development pathways by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050, so that ecosystems and societies thrive.
The group called for USD520 million for LIFE-AR to deliver the vision, through support to front runner countries to engage in developing long term visions, strengthening institutions, and enhancing delivery mechanisms to reach the poorest and most vulnerable.
To achieve the LDC vision, with the support of the international community, LDCs aim to bring the whole of society together, channel 70 percent of finance to local level versus 10 percent now, and prioritise building climate capabilities, systems and structures for better accessing support.