UEM - Climate Protection Programme International Workshop on “One for the Climate” hosted by EPR and EAR Churches Kigali Rwanda, 29th/Sept - 1st /Oct /2016 Richard Madete, Dipl.-Ing.

Climate Protection Programme An overview of UEM “Climate Protection Programme” (6/2010 -6/2016) What were the objectives? What has been achieved? What is the way forward?

Climate Protection Programme 1) Objectives UEM “Climate Protection Programme” To help member churches in the South not only to overcome the current effects of Climate Change but also to avert the worst effects of climate change in the future. adaptation interventions to cope with the short-term impacts of climate change mitigation measures for sustainable eradication of poverty

Climate Protection Programme 1) Objectives UEM “Climate Protection Programme” cont’d. Specific objectives: To support, assist and empower churches in Africa in developing, implementing and funding projects for Climate Justice and environmental protection To promote information sharing, advocacy initiatives, networking and awareness raising on Climate Justice and environmental protection at regional and at international level To co-ordinate and apply UEM strategies in the region.

Climate Protection Programme 2 ) Achievements of UEM “Climate Protection Programme” awareness creation for environmental protection in member churches. technical and financial support for a number of adaptation and mitigation projects. Examples ....

Climate Protection Programme Support for forestation projects : UEM is supporting tree-planting projects in almost all member churches in Africa.

Climate Protection Programme Support for forestation projects (planting trees and protecting forests) in all member Churches in Africa Tree nurseries - different types and varieties EPR, EAR, ELCT/KAD, ELCT/NED, Agro-forestry projects in CBCA Extensive woodlots - hundred of hectors in ELCT/ECD

Climate Protection Programme Support for Capacity Building: Workshop and Exchange visits for managers of Climate Protection Programmes in all UEM member churches in Africa

Climate Protection Programme Awareness creation - Youth Action Day for Climate Protection: The youths normally organise demonstrations, debates, workshops, concerts, essay’s writing competitions, street cleaning campaigns, tree planting activities etc. -> www.facebook.com/climateactionday

Climate Protection Programme Awareness creation - Youth Action Day for Climate Protection: The youth of CBCA church during the action day on 5th Dec 2015 -> www.facebook.com/climateactionday

Climate Protection Programme Improved Cook Stoves Projects – Saving > 60% of firewood CBCA Church – more than 10 active associations of stove manufacturers ELCT/KAD Installation of household and institutional ICS

Climate Protection Programme Improved Cook Stoves Projects EAR Church/RDIS - reduction of Greenhouse Gas(GHG) emissions through Carbon compensation. The ICS have helped the beneficiaries not only in reducing emissions, but also in improving their livelihood due to the savings.

Climate Protection Programme Promoting application of Renewable Energy e.g. Solar PV CDCC – Installation of Solar PV for the head office ELCT/KAD – Extensive use of solar PV in schools, health centers, etc. CBCA – Use solar PV in institutions, distribution of Solar lamps, installation of Solar PV in district offices, etc.

Climate Protection Programme 3 ) The way forward: cont’d. In March 2016, an international workshop was summoned to evaluate the programme and to discuss how the work could be carried on further by member churches. “Workshop on the role of Churches in addressing Climate Change in Rwanda, from 16th to 18th March 2016”.

Climate Protection Programme

Climate Protection Programme 3 ) The way forward: cont’d. Conclusion, Commitments and Follow up plan: ... As stewards of God’s creation in accordance with Genesis 2:15, we understand that it is our responsibility to take care of all creatures, including human beings, animals and especially nature, without which no other creature can live....

Climate Protection Programme 3 ) The way forward: cont’d. A: Among the Challenges: Low community awareness about the risks of climate change; Lack of knowledge and skills among community and church members in relation to climate protection; Difficult cooperation between environment actors (churches, civil society, foreign agencies and government services; Lack of resources to implement projects to address climate change; ...

Climate Protection Programme 3 ) The way forward: cont’d. B: Among the Recommendations: Include and strengthen climate justice and environment protection in our church Agenda and make it a crosscutting issue; Cooperate with other Churches and Institutions (NGOS, Government) in addressing climate change; Create a network of churches in the Great Lakes Region to promote climate justice and environmental protection; Implement similar projects like RDIS in other member churches as development projects, including training and support, and facilitate exchange of experiences; Promote conservation agriculture through agro-forestry, reforestation, and other land friendly farming techniques; ...

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!