The country is reforming legislation on the promotion and protection of the environment to meet the challenges of climate change, advanced the Minister of Land and Environment. Ivete Maibasse says that the population with environmental awareness is increasing.
Due to its geographical location, Mozambique has suffered cyclically and severely from the effect of climate change, affecting about 60% of the population living in the coastal area. Cyclones Idai, Kenneth, Eloise, Gombe and Ana are some examples of extreme weather events that have hit the country in recent years. The holder of the Earth and Environment portfolio recognizes the existing challenges, but assures that the country has made progress in the legislative and institutional fields, and in raising the awareness of citizens.
“We can verify that there is, on the part of the Mozambican population, a progressive growth on climate change and biodiversity, including the need to protect the species of fauna and flora of great socio-economic value and in danger of extinction in our country,” said Maibasse mentioned by O País.
The minister was speaking Monday in Maputo during the national consultation meeting for the Stockholm +50 international climate conference, which marks five decades since the first conference on the environment was held in Sweden in 1972.
“We are running out of time and urgent measures are needed. These challenges are global and we have to face them with a global response that drives action on the ground,” explained the Swedish ambassador accredited to Mozambique, Mette Sunnergern, who also emphasized the fact that states come together to save the planet.
“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the need for Mozambique to pass laws that are effectively implemented, aimed at protecting the climate and biodiversity,” argued the representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Narjess Saidane. “An important point for discussion is the fact that Mozambique has laws that are very well made, but that require a lot of support for their implementation at the level of the whole territory, and this has to do with the ability to face climate change and protect natural resources,” said Saidane.
The national consultation meeting serves to prepare the contributions of the Mozambican delegation that, between June 2 and 3, will participate in Sweden, in the international conference Stockholm +50, which will be held under the theme “Healthy Planet for the Prosperity of All, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity”.
