Benin’s experience on Governance and

coordination in the context of the formulation

and implementation of national adaptation plan

(NAP)

NAP EXPO, Bonn, 13th July 2016

By Ibila DJIBRIL, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

idjibril@yahoo.fr

Overview presentation

Introduction

I. NAP process launching

II. Process, methods and tools

III. Challenges, lessons learned and best pratices

Conclusion

Introduction

Benin is a Least Developed Country located in West Africa with 112 622 sq Km with a population estimedat 10 millions in 2012

It has ratified the UNFCCC on 30 June 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol on 25 February 2002

It has elaborated many documents on climate such as its initial and Second National Communications in 2001 and 2011, NAPA in 2007 and recently its lowgreenhouse gaz emission strategy development and resilient to climate change (February 2016)

The Ministry of Environment is the Government’sFocal Point on climate change and coordinates climatechange activities.

NAP process launching

In August 2013, The Ministry of Environmentinitiated consultations with various stakeholdersat the national level which aimed at exploringways to establish a process to enablecomprehensive medium- and long-termadaptation process at the national level.

These consultations started by the NationalCommittee on Climate Change (NCCC)established by decree since 2003 comprising therepresentatives of each sectoral ministry, of NGCand private sector, followed by the ThematicGroup on Environment ad Climate Change andlawyers and several national experts.

Outcomes of these consultations

Launching of the process in Benin was endorsed by the policy makers;

Awareness and sensitization on the process to formulate and implement NAPs among the different stakeholders was achieved;

The NAP technical guidelines and their application for the formulation and implementation of a NAP were understood;

An over view on Benin vulnerability was presented;

Stocktaking on Benin adaptation actions was conducted;

Benin technical and financial needs to formulate NAP were estimated;

The technical and financial partners of Benin were informed of the process and accepted to contribute in formulation and implementation of the NAP;

A clear mandate and institutional arrangements were proposed to therefore approval by the Government;

Primary stakeholders for the formulation of NAP were identified;

A draft road map was developed.

Process, methods and tools

Benin’s strategy to elaborate its NAP is basedfundamentaly on large consultation of thestakeholders (Government, private sector, NGO,Universities, institutes and centres of research,mass media, civil society, etc.) in order to benefitfrom their experiences, knowledge, advise,contributions and inputs throught out the entireprocess.

The leader of this process is the Ministry incharge of environment through is technicaldirections and the National Committee onClimate Change (NCCC) by initiating, launchingthe process and taking appropriated measures toconduct the process of NAP.

Process, methods and tools After the stakeholders support to this process, the Ministry of

environment obtained the approval of the Government to leadand to conduct the process

The project of decree is validated by the National Committeeon Climate Change and submitted to the Government

Its established the Benin National Commission on NAP whichis the formal body to develop and implement NAP.

This body comprises at national level:

1. The Steering Committe, the decisional instrument composedby the key minister as Finance, Planning, Environment, etc.

2. The Scientific and Technical Committee, composed by experts and scientists for different studies (climate scenarios, impacts and vulnerabilities, adaptation options, etc.

3. Coordination Committee, for operational and daily activities.

Process, methods and tools At Departmental level, there is a Departmental

Commission on NAP and Municipal level the MunicipalCommission on NAP.

The adoption of this project of decree is awaited fromthe Government.

The Benin National Commission on NAP will besupported by the The Commission for EconomicModelling Impacts and Integration of Climate Change inthe General State Budget set up by decree.

General Direction of Climate Change with threetechnical directions : Mitigation, adaptation and Policiesand strategies.

National Programme of Climate Change Managementwith annual budget from National Budget.

National Fund for Environment and Climate (FNEC),accredited by Adaptation Fund.

Challenges encountered, lessons learned and best

practices

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

1. Frequent shift of Ministers of Environment

2. Delay on adoption of the project of decree establishingthe mandate and institutional arrangement of NAPprocess by the Government

3. Few technical expertise.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. A sound, clear and approved mandate and institutionalarrangement is an key factor to ensure thepermanence and continuity of the NAP processregardless the schift of Ministers or Governments

2. The participative and inclusive approach is essential tobenefit from the support of diffent stakeholders

3. The effective support of Technical and Financialpartners.

Challenges encountered, lessons learned and best

practices

Best practices

1. The political will and engagement

2. The recognition of an institution to be a lead and responsible of the NAP process(Ministry of Environment in Benin case) since 1992

3. The existence of champions (National Committee on Climate Change since 2003)

4. The stability of the national UNFCCC Focal Point.

Conclusion A sound and stable institutional arrangement is

essential to formulate and implement a NAPprocess

Its ensures stakeholders particulary the technicaland financial partners to provide their support

The NAP process well conducted and managedconstitutes and important opportunity andmecanism to effectively integrate climate changenot only into national governance, policies,programmes and projects but also into localgovernance and programmes and projects.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND

ATTENTION