In the News

 

FORUM FOR ADDRESSING IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE UNVEILED

 

28 April, 2009 Dili, Timor-Leste,

Contributing to efforts to guard the country against adverse effects of climate change, UNDP is working closely with a mix of Government agencies, civil society groups and academia to create public awareness and action.

The centerpiece of this campaign is the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), a US $ 200,000 two-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility with additional in-kind contribution of US $ 20,000 from the Government.

As the issue of climate change gains prominence in the country, NAPA will serve as a direct channel of communication relating to the urgent and immediate adaptation needs of Timor-Leste. It will foster understanding on how changes in temperature, rainfall and extreme events are affecting people’s lives, and what can be done to help. 

“The cooperation between UNDP and the Government of Timor Leste through the environmental department is a good platform to transfer knowledge and expertise from UNDP to the national counterparts,” said Abilio de Jesus Lima, Secretary of State for Environment. “It will enable the Government to manage the programme in a sustainable manner in the future.

He was speaking at an “inception” or introductory workshop on NAPA held in Dili on 24 April 2009. About 80 participants were involved including representatives of Government, donors, international agencies, students from universities and NGOs.

 In his remarks, UNDP Country Director Akbar Usmani congratulated the Government for taking the lead in dealing with the issue of climate change in the country and in a “rapid and efficient” way in which it is fulfilling its responsibilities since accession to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2007.

 “UNDP recognizes the seriousness of global climate change and the threats that it poses to human development. We are calling for a new development paradigm – one which integrates climate change risks into development planning at all levels and, at the same time, helps countries to move towards less carbon intensive economies,” said the UNDP Country Director.

Experts say that Timor-Leste is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and other weather anomalies associated with droughts. The country is also prone to floods, landslides and soil erosion resulting from the combination of heavy monsoon rain, steep topography and widespread deforestation.

Under its Environment portfolio, UNDP, the UN’s leading development agency with a wealth of experience in implementing similar projects in many developing countries, has assisted the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in policies and programmes to promote efficient, reliable and sustainable environmental practices.

For more details please contact: Expedito Belo,

Programme Officer Poverty Reduction and Environment

UNDP Timor-Leste

Phone # 7392804

Email: expedito.belo@undp.org

Or

Joana de Mesquita Lima,

Programme Officer Poverty Reduction and Environment

UNDP Timor-Leste

Phone # 7344950

Email: joana.lima@undp.org