Mutharika launches 2016 Climate Change Week, EBAFOSA

President Peter Mutharika Monday led the nation in observing this year’s World Environment Day and launched 2016 Climate Change Week and Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA) in Malawi.

Mutharika said the National Climate week has been dedicated to raise awareness on issues of environment and climate change in the country and urged people to perform national duty by carrying out the messages that has been spelt out by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining for a week.

He explained, “The launch of EBAFOSA means that Malawi will benefit in increased food and nutritional security, enhanced ecosystem productivity and community climate resilience.

“Through its functions, the assembly will also help enhance value chains. It will link farm production with opportunities for both damaged and supply value chain.”

Mutharika then called upon all concerned stakeholders to support the establishment and operationalization of EBAFOSA for the betterment of Malawians.

He said the three events are important to every life adding that the country cannot promote sustainable development unless environmental dimensions have been addressed.

Mutharika further said in 2015 world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and adopted the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka, Sc, said the National Climate Week needed a divided role, attention and action.

He said the theme “Join the race to make the world better place” calls all citizens to address issues of climate change.

“We need to conserve nature and create a better environment. We cannot fight nature as nature fight back and we cannot win,” said Msaka.

He said despite the effects of climate change, progress has been made and the ministry has plans to plant more trees and protect them, replacing charcoal among other things.

Msaka added that among the activities lined up for the week on Thursday June 9 2016 which would be the environmental Management Observation Day, the ministry would request the country citizenry to conserve and preserve the environment.

United Nations Country Coordinator, Mia Seppo said taking action in environmental degradation now is a key to adaptation to climate resources.

She then commended Government for mobilizing resources than any other least developed countries and for been among the first eight countries to get resources on green world.

World Environment Day falls on 5th June every year and it was set aside by the United nations General Assembly in 1972. The National Climate Week is a period when duty bearers from the public and private sector raise public awareness on issues of climate change and the country started celebrating the week last year.

EBAFOSA is a pan-African institution created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) during the Second African Ecosystem-based Food Security Conference which was held in July 2015. The purpose is to combat food insecurity, climate change, ecosystems degradation and poverty in Africa in decentralised and inclusive manner.

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