08 Nov 2022

Climate change containment measures come at a cost therefore the international community should rethink adaptation financing, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said when addressing the 27th UN climate change conference (COP27) in Egypt yesterday.

 Detailing Botswana’s efforts and plans for combating the effects of climate change, he stressed the need for additional resources.

  He gave examples in the agricultural and energy sectors.

  “Smart agricultural approaches and deployment of associated technologies, including the Integrated Water Master Plan that transfers water from the north to the southern part of the country for both drinking and for food production, come at a prohibitive cost,” he said.

  Dr Masisi said adaptation measures within the agricultural sector included development of drought resistant crop varieties and livestock breeds more tolerant to the harsh climatic conditions prevailing in Botswana.

   In the energy sector, he said climate change mitigation efforts included plans to increase renewable energy penetration from two to 30 per cent by 2030.

“These efforts are in line with the Energy Policy and Renewable Energy Strategy. Additional resources are pivotal to the full implementation of our integrated resource plan on an accelerated basis,” said the President.

  President Masisi also spoke about the challenges Botswana faced with periodic droughts.

“Drought is also another permanent feature in Botswana which continues to deplete the little resources we have for socio- economic development. This has prompted government to develop a Drought Management Strategy to assist in resilience building to mitigate loss and damage as well as mobilise resources. This will however not be enough without innovative adaptation funding systems,” said Dr Masisi.

  He therefore urged COP27 delegates to consider enjoining the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund to create a window that could accommodate integrated innovative approaches to adaptation actions. 

   Dr Masisi told his audience that having promulgated the requisite policies, such as Climate Change Policy and its associated strategy and action plan, government was working on practical implementation to ensure citizens were protected from the effects of climate change.

 Botswana, he said,  remained committed to meeting global targets, addressing domestic challenges and even contributing cutting edge adaptation solutions in the fields of agriculture and health research to the rest of the world.

“Our commitment to the international community remains undiminished. Within the limitation of our financial resources, Botswana intends to do more especially through our research institutions to provide the necessary support given our capability and experience in the development of animal disease vaccines and disease management through the Botswana Vaccine Institute,” the President stated. Ends