By Mercy Malunga
Director of Environmental Affairs Twawonga Mbale-Luka has urged stakeholders across the country to take advantage of carbon dioxide trading, describing it as a new and viable financing avenue for Malawi.
Luka was speaking on Monday in Salima during the official opening of a training workshop organized by the department of environmental affairs for media practitioners on carbon trading.
“Malawi possesses significant natural resources such as forests, agricultural landscapes, wetlands and renewable energy potential, which can contribute meaningfully to global climate mitigation efforts while generating developmental benefits for our people.
“Properly designed and well governed carbon trading can help mobilise much needed finance for conservation, restoration, clean energy and climate smart livelihoods, while also contributing to the achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and our long term climate-resilient and low carbon development strategies,” said Luka.
She therefore called upon members of the media to help raise awareness on carbon dioxide trading, noting that carbon markets are complex and involve technical methodologies as well as evolving international rules.
“Without clear understanding and accurate information, there is risk of misinformation, unrealistic expectations and even exploitation of communities,” Luka said.
“Through responsible and well-informed reporting, you can help Malawians understand what carbon trading is, what is not, who benefits, what safeguards exist, and how communities and institutions should engage and benefit,” she added.
Luka said the government has already taken steps to put in place a national carbon market framework that will ensure carbon projects align with the country’s development priorities.
She said the framework was developed after three years of consultation and tackles monitoring, reporting, verification, fees and benefit sharing,
Malawi is among the countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing increased frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.
