Adaptation to Climate Change The European Union assists in addressing flooding on the island of La Digue

(MENAFNEditorial) H.E. Marjaana Sall Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic ofSeychelles and Mr. Simon Springett the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDPResident Representative signed a new agreement of 1 360 000 euros for climateadaptation. The agreement is part of the EU-funded GCCA+ programme that wassigned by the Government of Seychelles in December 2014. With this agreementthe EU confirms its support in addressing recurrent flooding on La Digue.

H. E. Marjaana Sall Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychellesstated:

- "The EU is pleased to be associated with this important project. The launch of this climatechange mitigation project on La Digue is an excellent illustration of how decisions taken inthe Paris COP 21 Conference are being turned into concrete actions. Through this projectthe EU reiterates its commitment to support Government in the implementation of itsNational Climate Change Strategy."

The EU support is provided under the Global Climate Change Alliance Programme (GCCA+)a global EU programme aimed at supporting countries to respond to climate change.

The devastating floods of 2013 demonstrated the high vulnerability of several areas on LaDigue. These zones are particularly prone to flooding for several reasons. First of all becauseof the topography of the land in these low-lying flat zones and secondly because ofinadequate drainage systems that can allow the water to find its way to the sea. With therise in both the frequency and the volume of precipitation as a result of climatic change – theflooding of these zones have now become recurrent.

Besides health hazards caused by flooding the local population also suffered from economiclosses resulting from affected crop cultivations. At the same time floods can also seriouslyimpact on tourism which is the main economic activity on La Digue Island.

The activities funded by the European Union consist of studies and scientific surveys andconstruction of drains and bridges on five identified outlets. The objective is to put in placeadequate infrastructure to allow the water to flow to the sea and hence prevent floodingupstream.

The project will be implementedby the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).H. E. Simon Springett UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative forMauritius and Seychelles stated:

“UNDP is pleased to be associated once again with the EU in supporting the implementationof this important project which is in line with our ongoing programme on climate changemitigation and adaptation at the national level. It will complement our ongoing programmeon ecosystem based adaptation and ensure coverage of all the main islands of Seychelles”

Also present at the signing ceremony Minister for Environment Energy and Climate ChangeMinister Didier Dogley made reference to the agreement produced in Paris last Decemberdescribing it as “historic fair and ambitious” from which the developed and developingcountries alike are required to limit their emissions to relatively safe levels of 2C with anaspiration of 1.5C.

“Although finance will be provided to developing nations SIDS like Seychelles are concernedthat the money provided will not be nearly enough. Nevertheless the new EU GCCA+ projectwill contribute immensely in building climate- resilience within our communities.” said theMinister.

The GCCA+ which in 2014 replaced its predecessor the GCCA has maintained its focus oncountries and communities most vulnerable to climate change especially those in smallisland developing states (SIDS). The GCCA programme which was for a total envelope of 3000 000 euros has helped Government between 2010 and 2014 in mainstreaming climatechange in national development policies and in the development of a solid institutional andlegal framework for the energy sector.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius.