Global talks help local plight, Environment chief

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 November 2017, 12:00AM

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ulu Bismarck Crawley, is optimistic.

He is under no illusion that Samoa stands to benefit from international gatherings such as the 23rd meeting of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (U.N.F.C.C.C. C.O.P.23), which is winding up in Bonn, Germany, this weekend.

Speaking to the Weekend Observer, Ulu said the outcome of the C.O.P. 23 will better inform developed and developing countries about their roles in addressing climate change.

 “Samoa is a member of this global move and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosting the Environment and climate change activities is coordinating these national efforts with other line ministries, private sector, N.G.O.’s and the communities to implement national , regional and global platforms like the Paris Agreement,” said Ulu.

Ulu also spoke about the vulnerability of small islands states to sea level rise and food security. 

“The side event by F.A.O. revisits the broad definition of food security which looks at enhancing production and income generation while improving the nutritional status of the population,” he said.  

“Through that clarification the health aspect was given much attention in light of N.C.Ds as a result of poor diets due to quality of food available. 

“The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa presented in this side event and she reconfirmed the importance of the health sector working closely with agriculture and communities to address food security and the impacts from climate change,” he said. 

According to Ulu, the format of the C.O.P. 23 outlines an agenda of side events on one hand and then negotiations on the other hand running parallel. 

“Side events have been a mixture of presentations and plenaries, demonstrations, on low carbon development activities and renewable energy, food security, ocean management etc. which provides sound option and opportunities that could be trialled in Samoa.” 

The adaptation was another subject that will benefit all of Samoa, says Ulu. 

“Samoa as well as for all Small Island Developing States are keeping close attention on adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, capacity building and climate financing in which the adaptation fund is again identify to provide for the Paris Agreement. 

“Then the transparency framework which is looking at modalities, procedures and guideline for the mobilization and reporting on these funds. 

“It is certain that there shall be a process to note the progress to date and design future actions for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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