NGO launches funding for Climate Advocacy

By Jenifer James

The Africa Democracy and Resilience Network has launched a new $80,000 project aimed at promoting meaningful citizen involvement in climate change policy, legislation, and financing advocacy across the central and eastern regions of the country.

The Director General at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, David Batali, said during the launching ceremony in Juba, their main mission as the ministry is to guide, direct, and coordinate stakeholders to ensure sustainable conservation and management of the environment.

Batali emphasized that climate change poses the greatest threat to the country’s development and security.

 “This is no longer a mystery. Climate change is the biggest threat multiplier, and we must address it comprehensively to create a conducive environment for peace, resilience, and sustainable development,” he said.

Batali said that this initiative underscores the need for strong legislation and policies to tackle climate change, with a focus on climate financing.

“Climate financing supports actions that both mitigate and adapt to climate change, utilizing funds from both public and private sources. International frameworks like the United Nations Climate Convention and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are crucial in this regard,” Batali explained.

The Executive Director of the Africa Democracy and Resilience Network, Wani Stephen, said that the environment project targets approximately 7,500 people in parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, adding that the total money for the project is $ 80,000.

The project funded by Christian Aid will be implemented for nine months, according to Stephen.

Batali also called on national organizations and civil society to collaborate closely with the ministry to ensure their contributions to climate action are recognized.

“We need to work together. Civil society plays a crucial role in building resilient communities, and we offer evidence-based policy frameworks to guide your efforts,” he said.

Zahara Saeed, civil society activist said that climate change has affected women and children across the country, adding that government needs to address the issue as soon as possible.

“Women and children are vulnerable to climate change in the country, government needs to address the issue as soon as possible,” she said.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has aligned itself with international frameworks, developing policies like the National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) to strategically combat climate change.

These frameworks provide a platform for advocacy at local, national, and regional levels.

South Sudan is ranked among the top five most vulnerable countries in the 2017 Climate Change Vulnerability Index. The country faces severe climate-related challenges, with 95 percent of its population relying on climate-sensitive sectors for their livelihoods,