Financing Mechanisms for the Operationalization of Loss and Damage in Senegal
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the heart of COP28 in Dubai, the NGO ENDA ENERGIE organized a Side Event shedding light on the crucial challenges of Loss and Damage in Senegal, particularly in coastal regions. This event, hosted at the dedicated Senegal stand, brought together committed stakeholders, experts, and representatives from civil society. The objective was to deepen discussions on the tangible impacts of climate change and explore practical solutions, supported by the presentation of a financial needs assessment study to address losses and damages attributable to climate change.
The highlight of this event was the comprehensive study presented by Enda Énergie, detailing significant losses experienced in the Senegalese coastal areas, with a particular focus on the Saint-Louis region and the Petite Côte. The results were striking, emphasizing the urgency of proactively addressing the devastating consequences of climate change.
Speakers shared a collective vision, underscoring the crucial need to operationalize the dedicated fund for losses and damages to implement projects aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. There was unanimous insistence on the crucial importance of operationalizing the fund to carry out projects that protect vulnerable populations.
The call to include more measures in political and strategic documents to address slow-onset events, especially losses and damages, was a recurring theme. Participants expressed concerns about the need for immediate action and highlighted that anticipation is essential to better understand how local communities experience losses and damages, in order to better inform the international level.
Despite persistent challenges, a note of optimism permeated the discussions. Rich exchanges emphasized that while funding commitments are in place, the pressing need for action cannot wait. "Let's not wait for funds to be given to act. They must find us in action," emphasized Boubacar FALL from COMNACC, summarizing the urgency of acting.
Therefore, this Side Event provided a dynamic platform for the convergence of ideas and efforts towards immediate action against losses and damages in Senegal. The united voice of the participants resonates as a powerful call to intensify efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable communities.
