Minister for Climate Change, Jerome Ludvaune, has continued bilateral talks with several countries and agencies to ensure that Vanuatu as a member of various alliances achieved the ambitions target on the global temperature
Vanuatu is a member of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Least Developed Countries (LDC), PSIDs and G77.
Although the target of 1.5 degree Celsius may not be agreed during the conference but the head of the Vanuatu Government delegation in Paris was of the view that the conference will end with an ambitious agreement that should be beneficial for everyone.
It is because of this view that Vanuatu, as one of the vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change must dialogue with these countries and agencies in a face to face dialogue to tell them our position and also to listen to what they have to say”, said Minister Ludvaune.
Recently, the minister had dialogue with leaders from Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Green Climate Fund.
Ludvaune believes that this is also an opportunity for Vanuatu government to seek assistance for funding and other assistance that will benefit the people of Vanuatu.
“I am very impressed that during our discussion, I have learned that these countries also allocate funding to assist vulnerable countries like Vanuatu towards, adaption, mitigation, education and capacity building that are lacking in the LDC and AOSIS,” said Ludvaune.
Finland, Denmark and Sweden had confirmed to the climate change minister that their government will be allocating funds to combat the impact of Climate Change through Green Climate Fund.
Although the allocation of funding are provided through the agencies because of the capacity related issues, the minister stressed the importance of having direct access to the fund.
“I must let you know that it is difficult for my country to access funding from this agencies and if funding will be allocated directly to the Government instead of these agencies,” stressed Ludvaune.
Sweden said they will now look into providing bilateral funding. Sweden also confirmed that it also allocated funds for education which Vanuatu will be able to access in terms of scholarships.
In a bilateral talk with the Director or Green Climate Fund, Ousseynou Nakoulima on Monday, Ludvaune stressed the importance of the funds provided through the government financial mechanisms that are already in place rather than going through yet other agencies.
Vanuatu being particularly vulnerable, needs urgent access to GCF funds under mitigation, adaptation and technology transfer.
The minister has revealed to the director of GCF, Nakoulima that Vanuatu will begin its readiness program in the first six month of 2016 and stressed the importance for the fund to be made available as soon as possible.
Director Nakoulima confirmed that GCF will look into the project proposal submitted by the government and will ensure that funding is made available to carry out its readiness programme.