Haki Africa has launched Sh20 million Climate Justice for Human Security project in Lamu.
Under the project, youth conservation groups will be supported and empowered financially and be furnished with information to play their role in climate change.
The initiative, which is supported by Forum CIV, a Swedish organisation, also focuses on addressing, empowering, and supporting those vulnerable to climate change within the archipelago.
The two-year project seeks to address violations of human rights relating to environmental justice and climate change, particularly within the Lamu Old Town, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
In 2014, old town was placed on the World Monuments Watch by Unesco after it became apparent that it faces progressive threats from westernisation, forces of nature and the impact of social, political and economic change.
During the launch in Lamu island on Wednesday, Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid said the major goal is to enhance partnership between the community groups and the national and county governments.
He said to enable communities prepare for any calamities that may occur, the project intends to build resilience while at the same time preventing further environmental degradation.
“The project is worth Sh20 million and will run for the next two to three years. We’re targeting youth-oriented conservation groups here. We are confident that through this project, we will be able to address human rights abuse through environmental justice,” Khalid said.
He said despite Lamu being a World Heritage Site, it has over the last few years witnessed development projects, which have tremendously affected the environment.
“The economy and the environment have been badly affected. The plan is to make sure that even as such projects are being undertaken, attention is paid to ensure the environment is conserved for the coming generations,” Khalid said.
Lamu environment chief officer Mohamed Dirie termed the project timely, saying the county is also anticipating to receive another Sh11 million funding from World Bank Group’s Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (Floca) programme to boost the fight against climate change in the region.
“All these initiatives will empower our efforts and contribution in the war on climate change,” Dirie said.
