Local government authorities in Rwanda are being consulted to update the country’s climate action pledges, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for submission by 2025. A funding of $4.5 billion has been secured for 2020–2025, yet an estimated $6.5 billion is still needed for the full period. RALGA advocates for local governments’ inclusion in climate action, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the NDC 3.0, which emphasizes resilience and climate financing towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) is currently involved in efforts to update the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) regarding climate action. These revisions are planned for submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by 2025. As outlined in the NDC implementation framework, $4.5 billion has already been secured to fund relevant interventions from 2021 through 2025, while an estimated financing gap of $6.5 billion remains for the full 2020–2030 period.
NDCs are a component of the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the existing NDCs are insufficient to avert severe climate impacts. RALGA is actively engaged in shaping these contributions and advocating for the vital participation of local governments in climate negotiations. A workshop held from March 11 to March 12, 2025, facilitated discussions among stakeholders for developing NDC 3.0, focusing on local government challenges and opportunities in climate adaptation and mitigation.
The objective is to incorporate the views of local governments into Rwanda’s climate action plan, enhancing its comprehensiveness and inclusivity. The upcoming NDC 3.0 will prioritize climate integration into national development plans and seek to bolster resilience while securing necessary financing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The workshop aimed to deepen local authorities’ understanding of NDCs and outline their role in creating effective climate strategies.
Dominique Habimana, RALGA Secretary General, highlighted the importance of empowering local governments in the climate action framework. Local governments are crucial in combating climate change and must be involved in policy discussions and resource allocations. He emphasized the need for tailored interventions to cater to local community needs, ensuring equitable and effective climate actions.
Rwanda has launched the Rwanda Green Fund, which aims to support green projects. Emilie Uwase of the Rwanda Green Fund noted that capacity-building is pivotal to ensure institutions can design effective green projects. Beatrice Cyiza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the necessity for local governments to engage in climate action planning to mobilize climate finance efficiently. Faustin Munyazikwiye of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority called for inclusivity in addressing district-specific needs within NDCs.
He pointed out that various districts have distinct climate challenges, such as drought in Southern Province and flooding in Western Province. Solutions like solar irrigation and soil erosion controls are vital for resilience. The urgent need for climate interventions is underscored by reports indicating that climate change severely affects Rwanda, costing up to 7% of its GDP annually. Given this rising impact, local government engagement with citizens regarding NDC implementation is critical.
Local leaders acknowledge the necessity of community involvement in the NDC process. They stress that achieving targets set forth in NDC 3.0 mandates significant citizen participation. Additionally, the integration of climate action planning with Kigali’s master plan is crucial for sustainable urban development. Officials also suggested using clearer language to comprehend NDCs better and foster public understanding of climate issues.
The article underscores the collaborative efforts of local government authorities in Rwanda through RALGA to revise the Nationally Determined Contributions aimed at enhancing the country’s climate action. The importance of local engagement, tailored approaches to climate strategies, and effective mobilization of climate financing is emphasized. The forthcoming NDC 3.0 seeks to align regional needs with a comprehensive climate plan that anticipates achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050. Stakeholder involvement is crucial for addressing the diverse climate challenges faced across different districts.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
