09 Apr 2017

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism (MENT) wishes  to respond to an article titled, “Some stakeholders not tapping into climate fund” published in the Telegraph on March 29, 2017.

 

A press release from the ministry states that it found it necessary to provide factual information to correct media information, which could result in misunderstandings with their stakeholders and development partners.

 

The release says whilst the ministry appreciated coverage of different aspects of its mandate, there was need for factual information to be provided to the nation.

 

It further says the article referred to says that government approach is not right and would lead to delays in submissions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). 

 

“There are further insinuations that government could be going through the route of using UN agencies as National Implementing Entity (NIE), which would supposedly defeat the purpose of the fund, and that UN agencies deduct some funds for administrative purposes,” says the

release. 

 

The release also states that the acting deputy permanent secretary is quoted saying “we do not have any intentions of using UN agencies as NIEs” and thus the  statement was wrong, misdirected and misinformed.

 

The release further states that the ministry did not choose who should be NIE for a particular project.

 

It says it had in fact encouraged and facilitated other local organisations/entities in Botswana to undertake a process to be accredited as NIE’s with the GCF so that they could take part in the process.

 

"It is, and has always been governments’ intention to have several entities as NIE’s not just one," states the release.

 

Further, the release says those who submit proposals are at liberty to choose an NIE of their choice, wherever they may be resident, that could be within or outside Botswana, adding that it is not done by government (GCF Focal Point or National Designated Authority).

 

The release says it is worth noting that UN entities resident in Botswana are amongst the many GCF accredited entities globally, and like all other NIE’s required to comply with the roles and processes as prescribed by the GCF.

 

It states that normally projects would be national, but where projects are regional in scope, the implementing NIE would apportion resources equally.

 

It therefore states that sentiments that government approach was wrong were misdirected and misinformed.

 

The release also states that government also wishes to correct the statement that Mr Thabang Botshoma the acting DPS, said that they would not be using UN agencies.

 

 

It points that in fact, Mr Botshoma did indicate during the interview that UNDP is a registered NIE and could be used by any organisation applying for GCF assistance, if they so wish. ENDS