How countries should limit their emissions

The world is, indeed sleepless searching for solutions on how best to tackle effects of the scourge - a phenomenon which accidently aim the poor, particularly the poorest of the poor.

The scenario is more noticeable in the sub Saharan Africa, hence the adoption of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change during COP 21 early December last year.

A look at the global picture depicts an extremely sad story; in that going by expected trend of population growth by 2050, the world shall be hosting a population of 9.6 billion.

Surely, at the same rate of consumption, in terms of food and other similar needs, such as housing, the world would need three planets, the size of the earth to satisfy the needs, particularly food – one which would be needed to fill the additional mouths.

Well aware of the irreversible calamity, stakeholders in climate change came up with an initiative – Green Economy in Biosphere Reserves (GEBR) – a means to poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Sub Saharan Africa – the region most affected by the enemy.

In a nutshell, Biosphere Reserves are areas, 500 of them over 100 countries, aimed at promoting solutions towards conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

The areas are internationally recognised – nominated by respective national governments. They serve as national learning laboratories for sustainable development and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity.

The Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are organised by UNESCO to see into ways of reconciling the conservation and use of natural resources.

At the Second International Workshop on Green Economy in Biosphere Reserves – a means to poverty reduction, bio-diversity, conservation and sustainable development held in Tanga Tanzania, there were stakeholders from countries as far as Paris, South Korea-Seoul, Ghana and Nigeria.

The objective of the three day meeting was poverty reduction, conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.Its targets are, creating opportunity to community living around Biosphere Reserves (BRs) in Tanzania – specifically the East Usambara.

Other BRs are in Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, whose concept was introduced and adopted in Tanzania in 1981. In fact, East Usambara biosphere reserve (UBR) is among the 34 global biodiversity hotspots in the world – the youngest of the other three, having been designated in 2000.

Bio-diversity is, in a nutshell, lifeblood of development and green economy – factor which is aimed at reduction of environmental risks towards sustainable development without degrading the environment.

UNESCO, through Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), has promoted the management of ecosystems within the concept of biosphere reserves (BRs).

“For MAB and the network of biosphere reserves in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), the main challenge of linking biodiversity business opportunities in these areas is lack of financial resources; hence formation of GEBR,” said a participant.

In the words of, National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) Director General (DG), Bonaventure Bayo said that the objective of the international forum was to provide extensive report on the implementation of the GEBR project, since commitment of the project activities – livelihood activities, which had initially been scheduled for completion by end of 2015.

In a key note address by UNESCO Asst. Director General Africa Firmin Matoko, said that his organisation was at the meeting barely three months after the COP21, the single most important international event of the last decade.

“The international community meets to deliberate on the steps to save our planet from irreversible damage of climate change and global warming,” said Matoko.

He said: “The prospects are gloomy. If we do not unite and intensify our actions from our individual households in our communities, regions and countries, we will not have much of a worthwhile legacy to leave for our children and future generations”.

He further noted: “GEBR Project began in November, 2013. Its interventions have been designed around the biosphere reserve concept within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Reserve Programme (MAB).

The concept, he says, was born 40 years ago, seeking to support countries to harmoniously integrate the well being of human populations with conservation of nature.

‘UNESCO has built bridges among and between member states. I believe this workshop, which has brought together implementing partners and beneficiaries from the three counties, is a great opportunity,’ explained the ADG.

“It is anticipated that it will take stock of what has been achieved so far under this project. But it will also be an avenue to reflect on what is at stake for the entire world when it comes to issues of sustainable development”.

With the adoption of a legally binding global climate deal in December, 2015 at the COP21, he said, world leaders have demonstrated the urgent need to join efforts to save our planet earth, and finally the human race.

“The ambitious climate change agreement will not enter into full force until 2020, the deals call for both developed and developing countries to limit their emissions well below 2oC,” said Matoko.

He went on: “Under the Global Goal on Adaption, due recognition is given to developing countries efforts at strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change of communities, livelihoods and ecosystems, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and mitigation factors of global warming.”

The world has 651 biosphere reserves in 120 countries. Africa boasts 967 in 28 counties, three being in Tanzania.

It is worth noting, he said, that local communities are being empowered to have a say in the development plans of their localities through their representatives – district or municipal authorities.

“I wish to assure you that UNESCO will continue to play its role to provide support to African governments to integrate the new global development agenda into their national development plans and policies”.

The UNESCO boss said his organization will continue to support African counties in the area of curriculum development under them - Education for Sustainable Development”.

Chief gust, Tanzania’s Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan commended UNESCO and the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) for organising that international workshop.

“We are here to debate and contribute to the development of a new model of growth that is safer, durable and beneficial to all,” said Samia.

She told the participants, over 50 of them, that she was hopeful that stakeholders would be able to share experience, success stories and even challenges that have been standing on the way towards efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity, sustainable development in Sub Saharan African.

Narrating further, she said” Population growth call for provision of more needs, in terms of shelter, clothing but mostly food. Given these facts, deforestation which limits absorption of bio-carbon emission is inescapable.

“Over population is an unfortunate phenomenon, since it results in people destroying environment –coral reefs, mangroves and over fishing.

In Tanzania, she said, steps are taken to engage community as primary actors in protection and preservation of environment, adding, these are motivated to undertake alternative ways of livelihood.

“The Project (BR) has enabled change of mindset in communities in Eastern Usambara on the importance of conserving forest for sustainable livelihood”, she concluded.