Climate Action Network & Partners Call For Carbon Credit Trade Regulation, Forest Policy Review To Promote Equitable Climate Justice.
Drake Nyamugabwa
Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U) together with Tree Talk Plus, Real Ecosystem Solutions (RESO) and other Civil Society Organisations have called for concerted efforts toward addressing the urgent need for equitable action on climate change and support to the cause for climate justice and a just transition framework for Uganda and Africa at large.
According to CAN-U, the approach to address climate change “must go hand in hand with promoting all forms of justice for all people, especially those disproportionately affected by it impacts”
During a press conference held on Monday 22nd April 2023 at CAN-u offices in Ntinda, The National Coordinator, Climate Action Network Uganda Mr. Anthony Walumbwa said that to achieve climate justice, there is a need to apply a multifaceted approach that addresses both the root cause and the consequences of climate change.
He particularly said that there is a need to review the forestry policy to fast-track development in climate change and guide carbon sequestration and trade.
“We note that climate is not just an environmental issue, it’s a matter of justice. We are calling for expediting the review of the forestry policy to fast-track developments in the climate change arena, particularly to guide carbon sequestration and trade, carbon credit and revenue generation, social injustices in social injustice forest” he said
Mr. Gaster Kiyingi, The Executive Director, Tree Talk Plus, a secretariat for the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Network in Uganda while commenting on the merger of the National Forest Authority with the mother ministry said that there is a need to give more time, and sensitization of the public before merging it. He added that the semi-autonomous institute can also be empowered to avoid exposing it to negative climate effects that affect everyone.
“The idea of merging the National Forest Authority with the ministry needs sufficient time to materialize. It will require sensitisation of the people not a mere shift of office. There is no regulation for the value chain between the buyer and producer of carbon trading. We need to actualize the forest policy in line with revenue sharing and taxation” he said.
Adrien Tumusiime a Board member CAN-U said that there is a need to promote natural climate solutions aimed at addressing the changing effects of weather and justice hitting the agriculture sector to enhance food sovereignty.
She said that vulnerable communities need to access, control, and sustain food through initiatives like minimal land tillage with high yield and quality food, regenerating agriculture, livestock and crop farming mix, among others.
Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U) is a civil society network established by its members to coordinate climate action in Uganda.
