UN Photo/Milton Grant

Keywords: Land (15 hits),

Summary of the Preparatory Work of ROS4C towards COP 17 and RIO+20

CONTEXT

In preparation of the Conference of the Parties in Durban (COP 17) from November 28 to December 9, 2011, ROS4C, a network of about 150 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in Cameroon, has been actively working for effective participation in COP 17.

The purpose of COP 17 is based on Climate Change (CC) and sustainable development. In addition to the polluting industrial practices of developed countries, CC is equally related to the abusive exploitation of tropical and temperate forests which influences and degrades the life cycle of all living organisms and human being.

The topics in the agenda of RIO+20 are Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication and Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development and could open great opportunities for the consolidation of the cornerstones towards effective greening of the economy of African countries which are the most vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change (CC).

CLIMATE CHANGE: CHALLENGES AND THREATS TO CAMEROON AND AFRICA AT LARGE

Africa severely suffers from the outcomes of climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Africa?s Land mass and geo- physical characteristics shows it will warm one and a half more times compared to global average. Although Cameroon as well as countries of the Congo Basin currently contributes negligibly to CC, the country suffers the consequences of this phenomenon including; scarcity of water resources, decline in crops production, decreasing farming activities, scarcity of pasture lands, Land degradation, rapid deforestation and desertification, coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity, imminent discrimination and violent against women, force migration, loss of sovereignty of natural resources, the burden of struggle to continue the existence of African communities living in harmony with nature, temporary and spatial disturbances of rainfalls patterns with negative impacts on the different sectors of development, drought and floods, increase in conflicts related to scarcity of resources, increase in waterborne diseases such as repeating cholera epidemics, long dry seasons (leading to decrease in streams flow) specifically in the Sahelian part of the country, degradation of mangroves etc.

In view of the above mentioned consequences and considering the following:

The failures of previous negotiations (the unsuccessfulness of the Framework Convention on CC, Convention on Biodiversity, lack of funding for the convention on desertification, increasing loss of certain species) which neither considered the urgency of CC , its causes and implementation on the African people and their livelihood,

The constraints attached to all the funds that were available to mitigate the effects of climate change like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) fund which did not benefit developing countries, especially Africa;

The Land issues - in the framework of REDD+ and Green economy millions of hectares are in the process to be conceded to multinational companies for agricultural purpose, bio-fuels and carbon offsets to the detriment of the indigenous people at the level of Cameroon and Congo Basin countries,

We, ROS4C expect effective and efficient participation of Congo Basin CSO at the negotiations of COP17 to effectively tackle the issue of vulnerability, poverty as well as the poor commitment of Annex1 (A1) countries and emerging economies for CO2 emission reduction through fair and binding agreements in Durban. We hope that Durban will be the occasion to extend the commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and to reach a good agreement on green climate fund and other fast climate fundings.

DEMANDS FOR DURBAN AND RIO+20

The negotiations in Durban should be addressed with respect to the two track of the BALI Road Map approach to protect the Congo Basin interests. We expect actions in the following domain in line with those of Pan African Climate Change Justice Alliance (PACJA), Climate Action Network International (CAN International), UN Conference on Sustainable Development, African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), Climate Justice Now, ACCRA Caucus, Franclimat etc.

Developed countries must agree to reduce their CO2 emission to 25-40% below the level of 1990 by 2020, become carbon neutral before 2050 and adopt a second commitment period of KP by 2013. More so, the call of over 100 countries and civil societies to keep temperature increase below 1,5°C should be considered and developing countries should have equitable access to global atmospheric space;

Measures to stop massive deforestation leading to increase desertification in the Congo Basin will be considered and the international community will reinforce their support to African states in sectors such as sustainable management of forests through implementation of mechanisms of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);

Real opportunities for financing CSO and Government projects related to climate, capacity building, transfer of green technology and linking the science-policy interface for environmental sustainability will be accessible considering the specific needs of Africa for addressing implementation gaps;

Development models for efficient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth through resource efficiency will be reoriented while recognizing Africa?s interests on the Green Economy within the context of sustainable development, poverty eradication, institutional frameworks, needs and challenges faced by countries emerging from conflict. To this African countries must close all loopholes related market mechanism;

All obstacles to the full implementation of sustainable industrial growth that limits the environmental, social and economic costs of industrialization should be removed;

A1 Countries should provide non-A1 Countries with appropriate additional and long-term financing, technology and capacity-building support;

Emphasis should be put on renewable technology transfer in Congo Basin Region and their role in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Green Economy;

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COP 17

To the International Community

Kyoto Protocol (KP): the commitment period should be extended. This protocol is the only binding with clauses that could effectively lead to reduction and mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by A1 countries;

A long-term structure for fair and effective international action on climate change by supporting civil society in building capacities of local communities to adapt to climate change should be developed;

Adequate, predictable and sustainable finance for REDD+ should be ensured to deliver the substantial reductions of CO2 and Measuring Reporting and Verification (MRV) should be clearly defined;

The final commitment of developing countries for REDD+ should be linked to that of developed countries to continue the Kyoto Protocol;

REDD+ and as well as Green Economy should not be an occasion of alienation of people Land and forests rights;

Safeguards in relation to REDD+ should be clearly defined while taking into account the rights of the indigenous and local people and lay more emphasis on gender mainstreaming;

A1 countries and emerging countries should agree to change the lifestyle - extravagant energy consumption, excess waste production and consumption models - of their population in order to reduce CO2 emissions;

A1 countries and emerging countries should be involved in the development of clean technology transfer, promote low carbon industries and clearly define the MRV;

Criteria for the Climate Technology Center host should be clearly defined and the clauses should be favorable to developing countries;

Funding and financing based on green funds should be finalised and that the modalities for funds acquisition should be clearly defined;

These funds should be under the supervision of the UNFCCC;

Solution/agreement should arise to mobilize innovative funds (transaction taxes on air, sea transportation), in view of making up the public budget?s shortfall observed in several donor countries;

Develop clear, just and equitable policies, clauses and mechanisms for REDD+ and Green Economy to avoid what could appear as a possible future climate world war;

To Cameroon and Congo Basin Countries Governments

A national framework for consultation on the management of the thematic of Land tenure should be established so that together we could identify the opportunities and threats posed by the granting of extensive Land to large multinationals for agriculture and the production of bioenergy in the context of Green Economy and REDD+;

The government should communicate its opinions on the different points on the Durban agenda and have a preparatory meeting with members of CSO;

The government should establish a consultation platform with the CSO on the different points on the Durban agenda and Rio+20;

Promote laws that guarantee the development of renewable energies and Green Economy;

Promote REDD+ governance and clear mechanism for the benefit by the communities of REDD+ fundings;

Clearly develop institutional responsibilities and networking on the different pillars of climate change negotiation at national level;

To the Civil Society

A pressure group should be established on the Land tenure system in Cameroon and Congo Basin countries in order to preserve population's rights and the right of young people to have access to Land for the creation of sustainable and Green employments;

Oppose to geo-engineering, which could be disastrous to humanity;

Avoid Soil Carbon Markets at Agricultural level;

Encourage market carbon for peat soil in order to protect mangroves and raffia wetlands in high Land regions;

The members of the Congo Basin CSO who will attend COP 17 should be attached to the regional network committee to prepare their effective participation not only at the negotiations but also in side-events as discussed in Douala among some members;

To COMIFAC (The Commission for the Central African Forest)

COMIFAC and all negotiators be prepared to strongly defend the challenges/ interests of the Congo Basin;

COMIFAC should communicate their opinions on the various items on the Durban agenda especially about the REDD+ issue, Land tenure and none market option for REDD+;

A framework for consultation between the Congo Basin CSO and COMIFAC should be established to better exploit the opportunities that will be opened in Durban;

A schedule for strategic meetings should be prepared between COMIFAC negotiators and Congo Basin CSO representatives present in Durban for regular consultations;

To ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States)

ECCAS should transparently establish funds for the support of Civil Society on climate actions both on the field in terms of projects and their participation in international negotiations;

Open a window for Congo Basin CSO projects on REDD+, Adaptation, Renewable energies and Green Economy for direct access for funds;

Support Congo Basin CSO independent observatory of REDD+, Green Economy and Land tenure;

ROS4C expectations for RIO+20 At Rio de Janeiro, 4-6 June 2012

Towards Green Economy for the Emergency of African Nations

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RIO+20

Governance

Agreement should be established for the development of a global instrument that ensures full liability for any social or environmental damage global corporation causes;

Solutions should be arisen to mobilize innovative funds (Financial transaction taxes, taxes on air and sea transportation), in view of making up the public budget?s shortfall observed in several donor countries;

Agreement should be established to commit developed and developing Countries to bring the absolute consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources in a fair and equitable manner;

CO2 Emission Reduction

Adequate, predictable and sustainable finance for Green Economy should be ensured to deliver the substantial reductions of CO2 and Measuring Reporting and Verification (MRV) should be clearly defined;

Implementation of guidelines for Green Economy should lead to maintain low CO2 emission and to develop green technologies in economic sectors in Africa;

Policies, subsidies to combat corruption that drive deforestation should be established to achieve zero deforestation economy and stop the production, trade, import and consumption of goods stemming from deforestation and degradation such as unsustainable timber and palm oil;

Rights of Indigenous and Vulnerable Peoples

Safeguards in relation to Green Economy should be clearly defined while taking into account the rights of the indigenous and local people and lay more emphasis on gender mainstreaming;

Safeguards in relation to Green Economy should ensure the involvement of citizens at all levels of decisions making at national and international level concerning their Land;

Support for the establishment of national frameworks for consultation on the management of the thematic of Land tenure should be established in the aim to identify the opportunities and threats posed by the granting of extensive Land to large multinationals for agriculture and the production of bio-energy in the context of green economy;

Agricultural Sector

A long-term structure should be developed for fair and effective international action for Green Economy by supporting civil society in capacities building of local communities and groups to adapt to climate change through green technology;

Green Economy as well as REDD+ should not be an occasion of alienation of people Land and forests rights;

Measure to avoid Soil Carbon Markets for large scale agriculture should be established;

Market carbon for ecosystem services should be encouraged;

Energy Sector

Commitment to providing access to clean and green modern energy for all by 2020, with clear and comprehensive implementation measures, adequate funding provisions should be established;

An acknowledgment that decentralised renewable energy is the best way to meet the needs of the poor while preserving the environment should be consolidated;

More funds for implementation of local projects for renewable energy systems in Cameroon and African countries should be make available;

Commitment to complete the pathway outlined by the IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy enabling 80% of the world?s energy needs to be met by renewable energy by 2050 should be established;

Capacity Building & Technology Transfer

Developed countries and emerging countries should be involved in the development of clean technology transfer for African nations in the context of Green Economy;

Criteria for the Climate Technology Center host should be clearly defined and the clauses should be favorable to developing countries;

Commitment increasing support in the capacity building of small scale food producers and farming communities in income generating activities and post harvest losses reduction in relation to renewable energy and energy efficiency facilities should be established;

Green Economy, Local Councils and MDG

Capacity building of local authorities and regional government should be strengthen in Green Economy;

Council development plans should be greened;

Women capacities to develop Green Businesses should be enhanced and their access to Green Fund guaranteed;

Green Technology needs assessment should be carried out at the council level as well as the potential of renewable energies as an engine for local Green Economy;

Renewable Energy programs should be promoted in order to develop Green Jobs for young and avoid climate conflicts at local and national level as observed some years back in some African countries.