Empowering Yemen: A Call for Community-Led Climate Resilience Initiatives – Insights from Building Foundation for Development

Building Foundation for Development, a key NGO in Yemen, wants to emphasize how urgent the climate crisis has become in the country. This statement is a call for action as we approach the 2025 Economic and Social Council High-Level Segment, aiming to promote community-led solutions that align with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Yemen is facing severe challenges. A long-standing conflict has worsened the impacts of rapid environmental changes. Since 2010, the average temperature has increased by nearly one degree Celsius. Rain patterns have become unpredictable, and since 2018, three tropical cyclones have caused massive displacement and damaged vital water and health systems. Droughts, saltwater intrusion, and flash floods are threatening livelihoods and expanding gender inequalities, jeopardizing important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security, clean water, and climate action.

The Building Foundation for Development has been active in fifteen governorates, demonstrating that local innovation can lead to significant results. They have built 31 rainwater-harvesting structures that hold over 25,900 cubic meters of water and implemented 27 climate-smart agriculture projects improving productivity on 3,750 hectares of land. In addition, the organization has rehabilitated 76 kilometers of irrigation canals and established 15 community dams, enhancing local water security.

These efforts have provided safe drinking water to 35,000 households through rural and urban schemes. Their solar installations at water facilities, schools, and health centers produce around 750,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. Furthermore, 70 medical-waste incinerators safely dispose of 35 tons of hazardous waste annually. They have also planted over 18,000 native trees, offsetting an estimated 180 tons of carbon dioxide, while training more than 5,500 community members in sustainable practices.

As the United Nations nears its 80th anniversary, there is an urgent call for Member States to support local initiatives. Experts suggest that predictable, long-term climate funding should flow to local actors in vulnerable areas. Employing nature-positive technologies is crucial, especially off-grid solar systems that can benefit water, health, and food systems. It’s imperative that all humanitarian, development, and peace programs incorporate gender-sensitive approaches to climate action.

A recent survey indicated that almost 70% of Yemenis believe that local initiatives have the potential to address climate challenges effectively. This community-driven approach not only helps in achieving the SDGs but also fosters resilience against future crises. As the climate emergency escalates, local solutions, backed by science and evidence, can pave the way for a sustainable future in Yemen and similarly affected regions.

For further insights, consider exploring data from the [United Nations Development Programme](https://www.undp.org/) on sustainable development initiatives and local empowerment strategies.

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