By Felix Shamma/Hillary Asemota
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) which hosts the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network Secretariat, has concluded arrangement to host Canada, Nigeria Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Liberia, Somalia, and South Sudan, for a high level dialogue on Climate Change Adaptation and Peacebuilding resolution.
Associate Vice-President for Resilience at IISD, Anne Hammil, expressed optimism in a statement signed by Communication Officer, NAP Global Network, Adrián Estanol that the NAP process can help to break this cycle.
Specifically, IISD, in a release through NAP Global Network, made available to the media on Wednesday said the technical experts will dialogue to strengthen efforts to link Climate Change Adaptation with Conflict Sensitivity and Peace building in Conflict-Affected Countries.
The joint statement said – the three day peer learning event in Abuja, Nigeria will last from May 5 to 7.
Accordingly, the statement revealed that the event will focus on strengthening national responses to their unique climate change vulnerabilities and risks and identifying adaptation measures that reduce conflict and actively promote peace.
“The peer learning event, supported by the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Global Network, housed at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is unpacking opportunities and challenges on how countries can align their adaptation priorities and actions with peace building frameworks.
“As we grapple with the impacts of climate change, linking adaptation and peace building efforts are high on Nigeria’s climate agenda.”
Director, DCC, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, said despite the challenges, DCC recognized the urgent need to design conflict-sensitive national adaptation plans that align with its peace building and development objectives.
“This event represents an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and exchange to leverage national adaptation plan processes for policy dialogue, trust, and peacebuilding.”
Conflict-affected states and communities, which are acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, according to her, might find it challenging to prioritize climate change adaptation while grappling with immediate needs, such as ensuring security, restoring public services, or delivering clean water.
Despite fragmented responses in conflict-affected settings, several countries are striving to integrate conflict and peacebuilding considerations into adaptation priorities through their NAP processes – a key vehicle to put adaptation at the heart of decision-making.
Studies, the statement added have shown that inclusive and effective NAP processes offer an opportunity to integrate conflict dynamics and support peacebuilding objectives into adaptation efforts.
“Many conflict-affected states are also among the most vulnerable to climate change.
Anne Hammil, further reinforced: “Through this peer learning event, we are aiming to foster open and honest discussions among participants on leveraging the NAP process for peacebuilding.”
The NAP Global Network helps accelerate climate change adaptation efforts around the world by supporting partner countries in advancing their NAP processes.
Peer learning is a key pillar of the NAP Global Network’s support to countries on NAP processes, and it has engaged more than 1,000 adaptation planners from 84 countries to participate in peer learning.
This peer learning event is taking place with funding from the Government of Ireland, the statement added.