Following APCC Concertations: Communities Want Sustainable Practices Attached To Large Infrastructure Projects Operationalisation

“We call for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of large infrastructure projects such as dams’ construction and operations that disrupt local ecosystems, displace communities, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,” decried members of the concerned communities. By Annie Babelle Odounlami

This is one of the resolutions arrived at following a series of meetings of the African People’s Counter COP, APCC, held both in person and online. Organised by the Action for Conservation and Environmental Sustainability, ACES, with communities in Lom Pangar, it aimed to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts and injustices of the dam that we are facing.

It also sought to acknowledge the significant role of indigenous knowledge and community involvement in climate action and the need for more equitable, sustainable and resilient solutions. Reason why, they advocate for the adoption of holistic development approaches that consider not only economic gains but also social justice and environmental sustainability.

“We therefore promote investing renewable energy sources, promote energy efficiency, and rethinking our consumption patterns,” states part of their resolutions. Likewise, the severe impacts of the Lom Pangar and Nachtigal hydroelectric dams on the people, the environment, and the local economy cannot be underestimated.

Despite providing substantial energy benefits, has also led to displacement, loss of livelihoods, destruction of ecosystems, and disruption of local cultures amongst others. “Catching a fish now is a problem. We always observe when there are floods, but now, the floods are currently there and almost reaching our village but yet, no fish,” regretted a fisherman in Lom Pangar village.

He added: “We are suffering from diseases linked to portable water. Rivers we used to drink has been polluted by the project and other activities. The two boreholes constructed by the Electricity Development Corporation, EDC, are no more working”

Farmers and Fishermen of the Lom Pangar village calling for urgent actions to be taken

Consequently, they demand urged action from all actors to address the impacts of the Lom Pangar dam and to empower affected communities. “We call on the government and relevant institutions to conduct fair and comprehensive impact assessments, to provide adequate compensation for those affected, and to invest in community-led resilience measures.”

Still in the same vein, promoting agro-ecology for community resilience to climate change will enhances biodiversity, conserves resources, and strengthens food security. Act to support sustainable agriculture and build resilient communities.

According to Leonie Dodo, owner of a five hectare of cocoa and banana farm, was ravaged by bush fire, due to extreme dry weather conditions, welcomes the training on honey extraction as an alternative to generate income.

“If we participants put in practice the training we received on honey extraction, that is an alternative income generating activity for us. It will help us send our kids to school and cater for our homes. We have to survive,” she declared.

Being the most affected by climate change than those who cause, communities call for the fair distribution of climate risks and benefits, and for the recognition of the rights of the most vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, women, youth, and marginalised communities.

Thus, to them, cutting off fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources to combat climate change will go a long way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protect the planet, and secure a sustainable future for all.

Also, climate financing for the least responsible for the climate impacts. Support vulnerable communities in climate mitigation and adaptation, and ensure fairness and equity in funding for a sustainable and resilient future.

It is worth mentioning that, the African Climate Summit that brought together some 17 African Head of States, Ministers, and Members of Parliament hosted by Kenya from the 4-6 September 2023 for the first time aimed at discussing issues of climate change, climate finance, and Africa’s energy system for the future.

The APCC group however acknowledged the African Union released African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and noticed that its short of their expectations to combat climate change in Africa as no concrete climate actions such agro-ecology has been mentioned in the declaration nor any concrete measure to cut off fossil fuel was proposed.