FORUMCC AND THE GREEN ICON PARTICIPATION IN EUROPEAN CLIMATE DIPLOMACY DAY 2015

Dar es Salaam.

June 17 was European Climate Diplomacy Day; this is an outreach initiative of European Union and its Member States and part of their commitment on climate action at home and abroad. In 2011, the European External Action Service (EEAS) defined three pillars of climate diplomacy: These are Promotion of ambitious climate action, Support for the implementation of climate policies and measures, and Activities in the area of climate change and International security.

In Tanzania, ForumCC started a day by having a half an hour radio programme on Climate Diplomacy Day at TBC FM from 7:00am. Where much discussion made also public got an opportunity to participate by asking question through calls and messages. Listen here

Later afternoon ForumCC joined EU Delegation, the Embassy of France and the Embassy of Germany which have partnered with the Centre for Climate Change Studies of the University of Dar es Salaam to provide an opportunity for discussion and exchange on the challenges and opportunities for Tanzania and the EU in the run up to COP21 that will be held in Paris later this year.

During the welcoming remarks, Prof Rwekaza S. Mkandala, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dar es Salaam acknowledged the European climate diplomacy in Tanzania and highlighted the vulnerability we are facing as nation under climate change scenario.

In other hand Mme Malika Berack, Ambassador of France to Tanzania, expressed aspects of their expectation in COP21, These includes Universal, Legal and Binding agreement that will based on adaptation and mitigation. Secondly she pointed out the issue of INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) and readiness to provide technical assistance in developing INDC. Tanzania is currently in process to prepare its intended nationally determined contributions to join international efforts in climate action. Ambassador, she also emphasized matter of resources and institutional strength in climate change issues. He she put forth on climate finance as one of important aspect in implementation on Paris climate deal. She concluded by recognizing the importance of Lima Paris Climate agenda, and need for support from all parties.

The high level of United Republic of Tanzania was represented by His Excellency Garib Bilal, Vice President. In his remarks he pointed six aspects that Tanzania expect and is putting efforts towards Paris Climate Deal, these aspects included Ambitious Climate Action from/to all parties, Strong and Legal Agreement, Central role of equity, Long term approach in climate action, Public Finance for Adaptation and Clear link to Sustainable Development Goals.

Session followed by panel discussion on Road to COP21 for Europe and Africa: Addressing Challenges, Harnessing Opportunities. The panelists were Filiberto Segregondi, European Union Ambassador to Tanzania, Richard Muyungi, Assistant Director for Environment, Vice President Office Division of Environment, Prof Pius Yanda, Director of Centre for Climate Change Studies and Ms Rahima Njaidi, Executive Director, MJUMITA.

During discussion several issues were raised from local level to international level, for ForumCC two things happened one was recognition of our website as a good source of information in climate change issues in Tanzania and international issues in some cases and again ForumCC which was represent by Tajiel Urioh got the opportunity to ask a question, and our question was “Despite the fact that adding the phrase ‘in light of national circumstance’ in CBDR Principle (Principle of Common But Different Responsibilities) will open a room for more parties to contributes in climate finance and other required contribution, but don’t we think that can be an excuse and not a reason for some parties to run away from responsibilities?. Responding to question Richard Muyungi, a Climate Change Focal Person of Tanzania, said regarding changes that world is experiencing today in various sector it was hard to abandon the national circumstances in this principle, so in Lima (COP20) they were convinced to add that phrase in regards to dynamism of national circumstances and growth. The matter of taking national circumstance as an excuse, he stayed optimistic that all parties will act responsibly.

The day ended by signing five of EU Global Climate Change Alliance Grants. The grants recipients were Community Forest Pemba, Heifer, Institute of Rural Development Planning, OIKOS and ONGAWA. European Climate Diplomacy day was closed by cocktail reception hosted at the Vice-Chancellor Residence.