By: Shallon S. Gonlor

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a significant stride towards climate resilience, Nimba and Lofa Counties have each been awarded a $200,000 grant by the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility. This funding aims to equip these regions to better withstand the severe impacts of climate change currently affecting parts of Liberia.

LoCAL, an initiative managed by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), provides a globally recognized framework that enables local governments in developing and least-developed countries to access the necessary climate finance, capacity building, and technical support. This initiative facilitates local authorities in identifying and implementing community-driven climate adaptation solutions, thereby enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.

The project, titled “Empowering Local Government and Fostering Community-Driven Climate Change Solutions,” seeks to assist organized urban poor communities in pinpointing and executing adaptation interventions. This approach is designed to improve their resilience to climate impacts through a structured and supportive methodology.

From September 17-20, 2024, a critical selection process took place at the Cape Hotel in Mamba Point, Monrovia, where Nimba and Lofa Counties emerged as winners among several contenders. Their proposals, demonstrating comprehensive design, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, impressed the donors and secured the much-needed funding.

Local authorities in Liberia, particularly in the most vulnerable counties, often struggle with insufficient resources to combat climate change effectively. These grants aim to bridge that gap by providing the necessary financial and technical support. The LoCAL Facility utilizes Performance-Based Climate Resilience Grants (PBCRGs) to ensure climate change expenditures are programmed and verified at the local level. This approach is complemented by technical and capacity-building support to the most affected communities.

LoCAL’s strategy reinforces existing financial and fiscal systems at both national and sub-national levels, using demonstration effects to trigger further financial flows for local adaptation. This includes national fiscal transfers and global climate finance, thereby promoting climate-resilient communities and economies by increasing local-level finance and investment in climate adaptation.

In a live video posted on the official Facebook page of the Office of Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, the Nimba Superintendent shared details of the winning proposal. She highlighted the plan to transform and support towns and cities in combating future climate disasters, such as flooding and intense storms. The development of solar-powered municipal infrastructure is a key component of this initiative.

Superintendent Gono emphasized the importance of the grant, noting that it represents a significant investment in climate resilience for Nimba. “This grant will help us build solar smart cities in Sanniquellie and Karnplay, setting an example for other regions in Liberia,” she stated. The funding will be used to address critical infrastructure and vulnerable ecosystems, enhancing the county’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.

The grant is one of the biggest investments in climate resilience that Nimba has received. Superintendent Gono expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We will expand our efforts to make communities safer from extreme weather events, sea level rise, flooding rivers, rain, wind, extreme temperature, and other effects of climate change.”

The selection of Nimba as a pilot county in the LoCAL initiative marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey toward sustainable development and climate adaptation. Over recent years, Nimba has faced severe destruction from climate change. Devastating storms have left many homeless, with significant damage reported in several towns. In December 2023, heavy storms in Sehyikimpa Town caused injuries and widespread displacement, highlighting the urgent need for such grants.

The situation is compounded by additional crises, such as landslides in Kwendin Township and health risks from climate change in pregnant women and children. These challenges underscore the importance of the LoCAL grant in bolstering the county’s resilience and supporting vulnerable populations.

The announcement of the grant has been met with widespread commendations and congratulatory messages. Many Liberians, including those from the diaspora, have praised Superintendent Gono for her leadership and vision. Comments on social media have highlighted the significance of this achievement for Nimba and its potential to inspire other regions in Liberia.

As Nimba moves forward with this crucial funding, the focus remains on building a sustainable and resilient future, ensuring that communities are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.

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