G-STIC SIDE EVENT DURING COP27, 11 NOVEMBER 2022

Climate finance projects of the G-STIC Climate Action Programme

The G-STIC Climate Action Programme side event during COP27 highlighted the impact of climate finance for governments, private organisations, research institutions and NGOs. This event was aligned with the COP27 presidency’s priorities and focused on climate finance as well as showcasing best practices and innovative climate solutions.

The Government of Flanders launched the G-STIC Climate Action Programme in 2021 to support developing countries in the fight against climate change. By providing financial support to projects for climate change adaptation and mitigation, the G-STIC Climate Action Programme aims to strengthen the implementation of climate policies, strategies, regulations and action plans in developing countries.

The speakers presented case studies of some approved projects from the G-STIC Climate Action Programme.

Case 1: Supporting the energy sector in Malawi by the NDC Support Center

By Joseph Kalowekamo, Director of Energy Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Government of Malawi and Maarten Pelgrims, Researcher on International Energy and Climate Strategy and Policy, EnergyVille (VITO)
Mozambique Energy Sector Support

The NDC Support Center was established by VITO and AFREC to help African countries to produce and update their own NDCs and sustainably increase their capacities to improve their national energy information systems and their energy modelling skills. It also aims to improve their energy and climate modelling competencies so they can prepare climate communications and NDC governance processes. In addition, there will be technical demonstrations of activities aimed at improving energy efficiency and supporting renewable energy initiatives. Progress and project roadmaps from Malawi, one of the pilot countries, were shown during this presentation.

Case 2: Expanding an existing wastewater treatment facility via nature-based solutions in Kenya

By H.E. Erick Mutai, Governor, Kericho County, Kenya and Dion van Oirschot, Director, Rietland
Kericho Circular Water

Half of Kenyans living in rural areas have no access to water. At the same time, 73% of wastewater is not returned to treatment plants. This limited water infrastructure means that communities in both urban slums and rural areas are highly exposed to diseases. In Kenya’s Kericho region, an existing water treatment facility will be expanded, with an integrated technological solution that incorporates an aerated wetland and a membrane filtration unit. This will increase capacity for treating wastewater, with minimal environmental impact. The high-performance facility will produce safe drinking water while preventing wastewater from being discharged into the river and allowing waterborne diseases to thrive. More info >

Case 3: Planting trees to increase the climate resistance in cities

By Andre Kamga Foamouhoue, Director General, African Centre for Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD)
Niamey Climate Forest

Niger’s capital Niamey experiences deadly heat on more than 200 days per year. This is socially and financially costly. Several ambitious projects have been launched to try and improve the situation but financial and technical barriers are hampering progress. A new tree-planting project is underway, with local stakeholders trained in microclimatic monitoring of urban trees using advanced, yet simple devices such as heat cameras soil moisture sensors. The results will be used to assess the climate impacts of trees in urban areas, as well as their potential for carbon sequestration. More info >

Case 4: Higher potato yields through access to varieties that are resistant to diseases in Uganda

By Tine Vanhee, Coordinator of the Resource Mobilisation team, TRIAS
Improved potential in climate change adaptation and mitigation by smallholder potato farmers in Uganda

Rising temperatures and excessive and unpredictable rain presents a severe risk to food production in Uganda, especially maize and rice. This project focusses on cultivating potatoes as a climate resilient alternative. International NGO Trias and Belgian company Agristo are working with a local farming association in western Uganda to plant new, more resistant potato varieties. The project is also investing in creating much-needed capacity with seed multiplicators and seed storage facilities so potato cultivation can be scaled up. More info >

Case 5: Climate-smart agriculture for a carbon neutral cocoa value chain in Uganda

By Tine Vanhee, Coordinator of the Resource Mobilisation team, TRIAS
Increasing the adaptation and mitigation potential of cocoa farmers in Bundibugyo in Uganda

Uganda has experienced increasingly adverse weather patterns that have seriously affected the livelihoods of its population. A case in point is the Bundibugyo district in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda, where cocoa is grown. Increased rainfall intensity has led to landslides and flooding while decreasing rainfall duration has resulted in higher temperatures and prolonged drought. The consequences of this are reduced vegetation cover, pollution, degraded soil quality with serious effects on cocoa production. Trias will make the cocoa farmers more resistant to the effects of climate change by using the “Building Resilience toolbox” developed by the AgriCord Alliance. More info >