By Arnold Letsholo
Botswana is hopeful that it would benefit on the Green Climate Fund which will be established under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to help developing countries tackle Climate Change.
It is hoped that the country would receive US$ 100 million for implementation of projects aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.
The Acting Director in the Department of Metrological Services, Balise Gopolang informed the media last week during a press briefing that the Fund does not readily have the $100 million as it relies on pledges from developed countries who happen to be the main emitters of the Green House Gases, which lead global warming and climate change. Before the country can benefit from the fund, it has to come up with solid proposals to the Fund which developing countries should compile and submit for assessment.
In a preliminary proposal to the UNFCCC, Botswana has requested that, “The following actions can be undertaken by the government if financial assistance and the relevant technologies are provided: Under Water sector there will be identification and development of well fields in the country, enhance artificial groundwater recharge and improve water reuse and recycling.”
Under the Agricultural sector Botswana proposes that intends to come up with a “climate Smart Agriculture which include techniques such as low to zero tillage, multi-cropping to increase mulching which reduce evapo-transpiration and soil erosion; reduce dependence on rainfall by encouraging farmers to drill boreholes as well as improve accessibility to markets and marketing systems.”
Under the Health sector, Botswana intends to come up with “intensification of the Vector borne programmes and enhancement of public education and malaria campaigns as well as improve early warning systems on the outbreaks of the diseases.”
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Thabang Botshoma highlighted that the country is not just sitting back but is making some moves to address the situation even before availability of such international funds.
The North- South water carrier project is an adaptation initiative. So is the local breed- Mosu cow. Conservation agriculture has also been introduced in various points of the country.
