Rwanda Engages Local Governments in Revising Climate Action Plans

RALGA consults local government authorities to revise Rwanda’s climate action pledges, submitting updated NDCs by 2025. The country secured $4.5 billion since 2021 but needs an additional $6.5 billion by 2030. The NDC 3.0 aims to integrate climate priorities into national plans and enhance resilience. Local officials emphasize community engagement is vital for successful implementation, as Rwanda grapples with significant climate vulnerabilities that impact its economy.

The Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) is actively consulting local government authorities to update the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action. This initiative aims to finalize amendments to the NDCs before their submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by 2025. Since 2021, Rwanda has secured $4.5 billion for climate interventions, though an estimated financing gap of $6.5 billion remains for 2020-2030.

NDCs, established under the Paris Agreement, are critical for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, current commitments do not sufficiently address the pressing climate risks. RALGA is advocating for greater involvement of local governments in climate negotiations and action plans, aiming to harmonize local efforts with national strategies. A two-day consultative workshop held in March 2025 focused on gathering insights from local stakeholders to prepare for the third generation of Rwanda’s Climate Action Plan (NDC 3.0).

The goals of NDC 3.0 include reinforcing climate action through the incorporation of climate priorities into national development plans, enhancing resilience, securing climate financing, and aligning with the global commitments of the Paris Agreement. The workshop facilitated collaboration among local authorities, enhancing their understanding of the NDC framework and financing mechanisms necessary for effective implementation.

Dominique Habimana, RALGA Secretary General, emphasized local governments’ essential roles in achieving national climate goals. He asserted, “The role of local governments is essential to achieving Rwanda’s climate goals. They must be empowered to lead this transformation.”

Rwanda has established the Rwanda Green Fund to finance green projects, with a strong focus on capacity building for public institutions. Emilie Uwase, a Climate Finance Analyst at the Rwanda Green Fund, mentions the importance of equipping stakeholders with the required skills for successful project implementations. Beatrice Cyiza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, highlighted the significance of local participation in climate action preparations.

The panel led by Faustin Munyazikwiye of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) underlined the need for awareness, ownership, and capacity building in the implementation of climate plans. This includes addressing specific district needs, such as irrigation in drought-prone areas of Southern Province and soil erosion control in flood-affected regions.

Engaging communities in the NDC implementation process is essential, as community buy-in can significantly affect the success of climate initiatives. Local government representatives emphasized that informed citizen participation facilitates understanding and support for climate projects. Jean Marie Rusilibana, Vice Mayor of Ruhango District, stated, “Achieving NDC 3.0 targets requires meaningful community engagement at every step of the journey.”

The vulnerability of Rwanda to climate change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture necessitates urgency in addressing climate-induced disasters. Reports indicate that climate-related challenges could cost Rwanda 5 to 7% of its annual GDP, underscoring the need for immediate, coordinated action at both local and national levels to mitigate these impacts effectively.

In conclusion, Rwanda is actively engaging local governments to enhance its climate action strategy through comprehensive consultations. The updating of the NDCs aims to better integrate local community needs and secure necessary funding while promoting resilience against climate impacts. Local authorities play a pivotal role in facilitating effective climate initiatives, ensuring that implementation aligns with both national priorities and community engagement. It is imperative that the revised NDCs reflect a collective effort towards achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Rwanda.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw