Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s happening right now in Senegal. We see it in coastal erosion, floods, changing rainfall patterns, and strained water resources. These issues deeply affect people’s livelihoods.
Local authorities are at the forefront of dealing with these challenges. They are both vulnerable to climate shocks and essential in crafting responses. Their role in planning and managing public resources is crucial for integrating climate policies at the local level.
Recently, the Municipal Development Agency (ADM) hosted a training workshop on creating Territorial Climate Plans (PCTs) as part of the PACASEN initiative. Papa Sambaré Ndiaye, the ADM’s Secretary General, emphasized Senegal’s commitment to international agreements like the Paris Agreement. He pointed out that climate adaptation is central to Senegal’s public policies. The Senegal 2050 Agenda highlights ecological transition and sustainable development as core goals.
Ndiaye stresses that PCTs are not just technical documents; they are vital tools that help communities predict climate risks and reduce vulnerabilities. They also ensure that environmental considerations are part of decision-making processes.
The newly developed Harmonized Guide for PCTs focuses on consistency, quality, and legality. It provides a common framework for all municipalities to follow, promoting uniform approaches and comparability of results. This will also help in attracting climate finances from various partners.
Ousseynou Ndione, representing the Director of Climate Change, highlighted that local impacts of climate change necessitate involving local stakeholders. The guide aims to support local governments in planning, executing, and monitoring climate actions suited to their needs. It aligns local efforts with national commitments, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
PCTs will help identify each territory’s specific vulnerabilities, setting priorities for adaptation and mitigation in crucial sectors like agriculture and water management. They encourage collaboration among local stakeholders to foster resilient development.
This initiative is crucial as it empowers communities to take ownership of their climate plans, making them more sustainable in the long run. By strengthening these local responses, Senegal aims to build a more resilient future for its populations.
With increasing global awareness, local actions will be essential in confronting climate change. According to recent data from a survey by the Senegal National Agency for Statistics and Demography, 70% of communities in vulnerable areas say they want more involvement in climate adaptation strategies. This highlights the growing recognition of the importance of local engagement in climate resilience efforts.
The ADM, along with partners like the World Bank, is committed to uplifting these communities, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. It’s a shared journey toward a sustainable future.
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Plans Climat Territoriaux, changements climatiques, Agence de Développement Municipal, Sénégal, adaptation climatique
