A nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Togo's Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plans (PRA) was held across the country's regions last week. The initiative introduced the strategic plans to local decision-makers and equipped them with the technical skills needed to strengthen climate governance and secure funding for adaptation efforts.
The PRA are built around three core pillars: strengthening local governance to better integrate environmental considerations into decision-making; improving the resilience of key sectors, including agriculture, forestry and water resource management; and securing the funding needed to implement adaptation measures.
A total of 49 measures have been identified to turn the regional plans into concrete action. “This strategic document sets out 49 concrete measures to protect the region’s key sectors from climate shocks,” Governor Dadja Maganawé said.
Developed with technical and financial support from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the plans represent the latest step in Togo’s efforts to decentralize environmental governance. They are intended to help local governments take greater ownership of climate-related challenges and improve their ability to access adaptation financing.
As part of the initiative, a regional coordination committee responsible for monitoring and evaluation has been established. Its effectiveness will depend partly on local stakeholders’ ability to develop bankable projects capable of attracting funding from international partners, including the Green Climate Fund, according to the organizers.
Esaïe Edoh