Botswana focuses on adaptation at COP28

Developing nations have for years demanded that industrialised and polluting countries pay to help the less emitting, poor countries finance their climate change mitigation and development paths. The Loss and Damages Fund was established at COP27 in Egypt but not operationalised until yesterday.

In a detailed conversation on Botswana’s position in negotiations, Environment and Tourism deputy permanent secretary, Boatametse Modukanele stressed that adaptation is the top priority for the country at COP28.

Mmegi: The Africa Climate Summit and the resultant Nairobi Declaration are earmarked as the basis for Africa’s common position in the global climate change process at COP28 and beyond. The Declaration calls for economic transformation that is in line with Africa’s climate needs including, increasing Africa’s renewable generation capacity, establishing a new financing architecture to respond to Africa’s debt need including debt reconstruction among others. Is this still the common Africa position and does Botswana still subscribe to it? Modukanele: The Nairobi Declaration, as agreed at the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023, is an important document that sets the basis of negotiations for African countries at COP28. With varying national circumstances, African countries have different vulnerabilities and varying levels of adaptive capacity. In this regard, the Common Position for Africa is crystalized through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) which meets prior to the Climate Change Conference to align their position with the agenda of the COP. As part of the AGN, Botswana participates in the pre-COP meetings and therefore aligns her position to that of the AGN.

Mmegi: What novel approaches are in place to deliver these demands since the COP process has a history of dominance by rich and developed nations to the detriment of the Global South? Modukanele: Membership of African countries to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is more than a quarter (more than 25%) of the whole membership. This makes the voice of the AGN strong when negotiating as a group. It is in this regard that the African continent approach to the climate change negotiations as a group becomes a strong force.

Mmegi: The continent is the climate change hotspot, with countries’ varied climate vulnerability exacerbated by different stressors. Which issues does Botswana regard as priority for COP28? Modukanele: The Government of Botswana prioritises adaptation. This is premised on the fact that Botswana is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and therefore there is need to develop and implement strategies that will help build resilience for Batswana. Botswana faces loss and damage associated with climate change ranging from infrastructure damage and loss of property from extreme weather events such as heat waves, wild fires, cold spells and floods. At COP28, Botswana will negotiate for operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund that will result in provision of technical and financial assistance for implementation of approaches that minimize loss and damage associated to climate change.

Mmegi: The agriculture sector is badly impacted by the effects of climate change, with the country currently facing the worst drought in 42 years. What hope is there from the UN talks to help farmers adapt? What does the ideal adaptation pathway look like in this critical sector? Modukanele: COP28 negotiations provide a global platform to address climate change, and by prioritising the needs of farmers and agriculture, the negotiations can catalyze support, collaborations, and actions that directly benefit farmers in adapting to climate change. It is important to recognize the significance of the agriculture sector and its role in global food security to create meaningful outcomes that address the specific adaptation needs of farmers around the world. Climate change adaptation measures for the agriculture sector in Botswana include, among others, sustainable agricultural practices, efficient water management and soil conservation approaches. These measures enhance the climate resilience of the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, reducing vulnerability to climate change, and contributing to the country's economic growth and rural development.

Mmegi: There is a push for plant-based diets at the global level, posing socio economic issues to the global meat industry which Botswana is a significant player in. Does this development worry us? Modukanele: Botswana should strongly guard against any agenda that can compromise the global meat industry because this can negatively affect beef exports.

Mmegi: Introspectively, how is the country prepared to strengthen social protection services in anticipation of hunger and poverty due to extreme weather events, loss of income to eco-friendly consumer habits, for instance in the beef economy? Modukanele: Botswana recognises the importance of integrating climate change considerations into its social protection services. Through the implementation of various programmes and strategies (such as support to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income households), the country aims to enhance resilience, minimise vulnerability, and ensure the wellbeing of its population amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

Mmegi: Inclusivity in climate action and finance are very important to curb inequality. Would you say Botswana’s climate policy is gender inclusive, addresses the needs and future needs of non-gender conformists, speaks to conditions, and needs of differently abled people? Modukanele: Botswana’s climate policy is gender inclusive. The policy seeks to ensure that climate change response measures are gender sensitive particularly in recognition of youth, women, children and people living with disability and their vulnerability to climate change impacts. The policy’s intent is to empower communities especially women, youth and people living with disability to actively participate in the implementation of climate change response measures at both rural and urban areas. Furthermore, adoption of strategies that are targeted at increasing resilience of vulnerable groups such as women, youth, children and people living with disability to climate change impacts through provision of means of implementation such as technologies, finance and capacity building and including gender and climate change into academic curriculum at all levels. Mmegi: There are increased calls for gender inclusivity and sensitivity in climate finance proposals now that climate finance is a huge topic. Is this a consideration by Botswana and the Africa Group of Negotiators? Modukanele: Gender inclusiveness in climate finance is crucial for promoting equitable and sustainable responses to climate change. This issue is highly considered at climate change negotiations there is need for climate finance mechanisms to ensure equal access for women and gender-sensitive organizations. This can involve establishing dedicated funding facilities that prioritise women-led initiatives, women-owned businesses, and gender-focused organisations. Ensuring access to finance enables women to implement climate adaptation and mitigation projects, build resilience, and enhance sustainable development outcomes.

Mmegi: What is the country’s priority sectors for climate financing? Modukanele: Some of the priorities for Botswana at COP28 include negotiating for climate finance to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable development. Some of the sectors where climate finance would have the greatest impact in terms of mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building efforts include the following: Botswana's agricultural sector faces climate-related challenges, including changing rainfall patterns, droughts, and dry spells. Climate finance can be directed towards implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, supporting sustainable land management, promoting agroforestry, and enhancing irrigation systems to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability. Botswana is a semi-arid country with limited water resources, making it particularly susceptible to climate change impacts. Climate finance can help improve water storage and management infrastructure, promote efficient irrigation systems, and support water conservation measures. Investing in these areas can enhance water availability, reduce water-related risks, and ensure sustainable water resource management. Protecting and restoring ecosystems is important for both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Climate finance can be allocated to conserving sensitive habitats, establishing and managing protected areas, implementing sustainable forestry practices, and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. These actions contribute to carbon sequestration, ecosystem resilience, and the preservation of valuable biodiversity. Increasing investment in renewable energy sources such as solar, and wind, can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. Climate finance can support the development of renewable energy infrastructure and facilitate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. Climate finance can support the development of early warning systems, infrastructure upgrades, and community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives. Building resilience to extreme weather events and other climate related risks can help protect vulnerable communities, critical infrastructure, and economic sectors.

Mmegi: African countries have come forth with proposals around the redesign of carbon markets for efficiency (on their side), underscoring factors such as price regulation and shared benefit with communities within which natural resources are found. How soon will Botswana follow suit, and how best should carbon markets should be modelled? What are your thoughts about a collective Africa proposal and approach to carbon market? Modukanele: The modelling of carbon markets plays a pivotal role in understanding and assessing the effectiveness of various approaches to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Carbon markets, such as cap-and trade systems or carbon offset mechanisms, aim to create economic incentives for reducing emissions by placing a value on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Botswana is in the process of exploring carbon markets and the process will identify the best market model to be used.

Mmegi: How does Botswana aim to springboard on the stocktake process at COP28 to achieve greater climate urgency and action across all the levels of government, the economy and society? Modukanele: The COP27 decision on finance reflects developing countries’ serious concern that developed countries' commitment to provide $100 billion annually has still not been met, even as the need for finance grows ever-more obvious. Many developing countries also expressed dissatisfaction with the way finance is being provided, including the large percentage coming as loans, increasing the debt burden in already debt-stressed countries, and the lack of accountability and transparency. There were also discussions on the need to reform the broader public financial system, including multilateral development banks. This serves as acknowledgment of the need for more climate finance and to address the way debt might hamstring developing countries’ climate action. At COP28, Botswana will actively engage in discussions of mobilising financial and technical support from developed country Parties. This is in recognition of the inadequacy of the domestic resources to cater for competing socio-economic needs, whilst simultaneously addressing the ever-increasing climate change mitigation and adaptation demands. Significant amounts of climate finance will be required for the realisation of climate change-related response goals and objectives.

Mmegi: As a semi-arid landscape, heavily reliant on wetlands for tourism activities for instance, is Botswana doing enough to address the nexus between climate change and biodiversity loss? Modukanele: The nexus between climate change and biodiversity loss in Botswana is of great concern due to the country's unique ecosystem and vulnerability to climate impacts. Climate change results in habitat degradation and loss, which directly affects biodiversity in Botswana. It also disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, making it challenging for species to adapt. Botswana's biodiversity heavily relies on its wetland ecosystems, such as the Okavango Delta. Climate change induced shifts in rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates leads to water stress and reduced water availability. This negatively affects wetland habitats, altering the distribution and abundance of species that depend on these ecosystems. Wetland loss can also impact migratory bird populations, disrupt fish breeding cycles, and reduce the availability of water for wildlife. To address the nexus between climate change and biodiversity loss in Botswana is working towards conserving its unique ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and building resilience to the impacts of climate change for the benefit of both ecosystems and local communities.

Mmegi: How well has Botswana embraced indigenous knowledge systems to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change? Modukanele: The use of indigenous knowledge plays a significant role in fighting climate change in Botswana. Incorporating indigenous knowledge into climate change strategies and adaptation measures greatly enhance resilience and sustainability. Botswana utilises indigenous knowledge from traditional ecological knowledge where valuable traditional ecological knowledge is tapped from indigenous communities about their local ecosystems, natural resources, and climate patterns. This knowledge is vital in understanding the impacts of climate change on plants, animals, and habitats. It helps in identifying appropriate adaptation strategies, such as altering planting and harvesting seasons, conserving water sources, and adapting livestock management practices. Indigenous knowledge provides insights into sustainable agriculture practices suitable for local conditions. Traditional farming techniques, such as intercropping, agroforestry, and crop diversification, contribute to soil fertility, pest management, and water conservation. Traditional crop varieties adapted to the local climate and resilient to extreme weather events are preserved, enhancing food security in the face of climate change. Botswana has a significant pastoralist community that relies on livestock for their livelihoods. Indigenous knowledge guides sustainable rangeland management practices, including rotational grazing, water management, and wildfire prevention. Such practices help maintain rangeland health, minimise overgrazing, and enhance ecosystem resilience to climate variability. Indigenous communities in Botswana possess traditional forecasting techniques based on natural signs, animal behaviour, and celestial observations. This knowledge complements modern meteorological forecasts and provides valuable insights into short-term weather patterns, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and livestock management.

Mmegi: What are Botswana’s climate change technology needs, and how are they being addressed? Modukanele: Climate change technology needs encompass a wide range of areas and solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. For Botswana, technology needs include low-carbon transportation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, climate-resilient infrastructure technologies, agriculture and land use technologies, climate information and early warning systems and technologies for circular economy and waste management. Under climate change negotiations, adequate financial support is being sought to address technology needs to enable developing countries to deploy key technologies at a large scale to address energy needs that will enable a just transition to low emissions, climate resilient pathway.

Mmegi: What is Africa, and specifically Botswana’s expectations from COP28? Modukanele: Botswana has been actively engaging in global efforts to combat climate change and contribute to international climate action. Climate finance is an enabler to climate action and therefore at COP28 Botswana will actively engage in discussions on international climate finance which will support Botswana’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This will include discussion on ensuring accessibility and availability of funding from various sources such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and bilateral partnerships. These financial resources will assist Botswana in implementing climate projects and enhancing resilience. Under the Global Stocktake, Botswana would like to see developed countries fulfil pledges made including the commitment to mobilise US$100 billion per year by 2020 and the commitment to the doubling of adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025. Botswana will advocate for vulnerable countries to be the beneficiaries of the Loss and Damage Fund and that the fund be managed in a transparent manner. At COP28, Botswana will also look for strategic partnerships with entities such as World Bank, the African Development Bank, regional bodies, and developed countries to position herself to receive technical expertise, capacity building support, and funding opportunities for climate change initiatives.

*This article is part of extensive reportage on the road to COP28, produced in partnership with MESHA and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Kayawe is a development communicator with an interest in science and climate journalism. She has taken a keen interest in climate change as it is an existential threat to Africa and the continent’s development aspirations. Currently pursuing graduate studies in Natural Resource Management and Participatory Development Communication with the Okavango Research Institute, Kayawe aims to be amongst the continent’s science and development communicators contributing to solution-based climate journalism.