Loss and Damage Workshop-South Africa
Tuesday 6th August, 2024.
The Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Department of South Africa convened a one-day workshop on Loss and Damage at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria. Climate YES was represented by five of its members from the Southern Africa Hub.
The workshop’s agenda addressed key themes such as funding mechanisms, the corporate perspective on sustainability, as well as the importance of collaborative frameworks among various stakeholders including the Church fraternity more so the young people where we fall.
A significant focus was placed on international funding instruments for loss and damage, highlighting the need for innovative financial solutions. Presentations on financial modalities such as Green Bonds and Catastrophe Bonds illustrated how these instruments can provide immediate liquidity in the aftermath of disasters, enabling quicker financial relief. The discussions emphasized the necessity of ensuring that funding for loss and damage does not detract from resources allocated for adaptation and mitigation efforts. This concern is vital, as it underscores the interconnectedness of climate finance and the need for a holistic approach to funding strategies.
The workshop also touched on the often-overlooked aspects of non-economic losses, such as cultural heritage and community identity. This dimension is critical, as it highlights the profound impacts of climate change beyond mere financial metrics. Addressing these losses requires a nuanced understanding of the social fabric of affected communities, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that recognize and support the diverse experiences of those impacted by climate change.
Another important discussion revolved around data governance and the need for robust information systems to track climate-related expenditures and impacts. The call for improved data collection and governance mechanisms is essential for effective implementation of loss and damage programs. The workshop underscored the necessity of establishing frameworks that facilitate transparency and accountability in funding disbursement, ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on the importance of collaborative frameworks among governments, corporations, and civil society to effectively address loss and damage. The need for agreements that span pre-, during, and post-disaster phases was emphasized, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in disaster management. This collaborative approach is vital for fostering resilience and ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in the process of addressing climate impacts.
Climate YES remains committed to giving a platform to young people of faith across the globe to advocate for climate justice as well as inspire proactive action through their respective churches to combat the effects of Climate change.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.