Forging Resilience, Integrating Conflict Analysis into Local Adaptation Plans for Climate Security

In an ever-changing world, the challenges of climate change are no longer confined to environmental concerns alone. Climate-related security risks have emerged as a pressing issue, adding layers of complexity to conflict prevention and resolution. This workshop, held at Ngong Hills Hotel in Nairobi on September 6, 2023, brought together key stakeholders to delve into the Climate Change, Peace, and Security Nexus. The goal was to integrate conflict analysis into local adaptation plans and pave the way for a more resilient and secure future, particularly in regions prone to climate-related insecurity.

The African continent faces the intricate and interconnected challenges of climate change and security. These challenges threaten to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in human security, potentially leading to violent conflicts in critical areas. One concerning consequence is the involuntary migration and displacement of communities. To address these issues, transformative strategies are essential. These strategies must prioritize justice, equity, and alignment with both national and local development priorities, as outlined in Decision 18/CP27.

National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and their sub-national counterparts play a pivotal role in bolstering community and ecosystem adaptive capacity, enhancing resilience, and reducing vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. However, one key aspect of achieving this involves incorporating conflict analyses into these plans. While climate security is a relatively new concept in Kenya, there is a growing commitment to integrating climate security considerations into the upcoming National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NCCAP-3). Additionally, county governments have been formulating their own climate action plans, but the extent to which these plans incorporate peacebuilding and conflict analyses remains uncertain.

PACJA through its initiative the African Climate Security Initiative (ClimSec-Africa) by PACJA, in partnership with KPCG and support from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), organized this national workshop.

The objective was to advance discussions and strategies for integrating climate security into adaptation plans. During the workshop, Ms. Janet Ahatho, Director of Climate Change for Marsabit County, emphasized the need for long-term solutions to build community resilience against climate change effects.

Bastian Schulz, FES’s Kenya Director, highlighted the importance of partnerships and sustainable resource generation for community participation in climate change processes. Benson Simba, Head of Progam Management Unit and Climate Change and Health Lead at Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance stressed the urgency of mitigating security risks posed by climate change through community knowledge and technical know-how.

The workshop focused on novel adaptation measures for climate security at the community level within the Horn of Africa region. Many of these measures, if expanded, could significantly enhance community resilience. The workshop also placed a strong emphasis on two key objectives. Firstly, it highlighted the crucial importance of comprehending the underlying motives behind incorporating climate security measures into local climate action plans.

Additionally, it aimed to pinpoint the obstacles hindering the broad acceptance of innovative climate security solutions within communities. This involved a comprehensive evaluation of the present facilitating environment for the successful implementation of proposed initiatives, all while acknowledging the intricate web of connections that span regions, encompassing multiple counties and borders.

Furthermore, the workshop was equally dedicated to proposing effective strategies and approaches for the seamless integration of peacebuilding and conflict management initiatives into County Community Climate Action Plans (CCAPs). This endeavour took into account the complex dynamics of cross-border and inter-county relationships and realities.

The workshop highlighted the urgency of addressing climate-related security risks through the integration of conflict analysis into local adaptation plans. It emphasized the need for long-term, sustainable solutions that empower communities to build resilience and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The key stakeholders present pledged to work collaboratively to ensure that these strategies are effectively implemented, thus creating a more secure and resilient future for the African continent. Now, it is imperative that governments, organizations, and individuals join this critical effort to safeguard both the environment and human security.