EAC CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

The aim of the Policy is to address the adverse impacts of climate change in the region, in response to the growing concern about the increasing threats of the negative impacts of climate change to national and regional development targets and goals. In addition, the development of the Policy is in fulfillment of the objectives of the EAC; to develop policies and programmes aimed at widening and deepening cooperation among Partner States in accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. The Policy is consistent with the fundamental principles of the Treaty establishing EAC and principles of international environmental law, and in accordance with the EAC Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources, the Protocol on Sustainable Development of Lake Victoria Basin and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The preparation of the Policy was also guided by the emerging issues and challenges faced by the region and potential benefits and opportunities in the light of the increasing climate change. The Policy was prepared in a consultative and participatory approach by experts drawn from the five EAC Partner States of the Republic of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania, facilitated by EAC Secretariat and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) Secretariat. The effective implementation of the prioritized climate change adaptation and mitigation measures identified by the Policy will depend on collaborative efforts by all relevant actors towards minimizing the overall impacts of climate change and consequently lead to regional sustainable social and economic development.