Africa Climate Mobility Initiative转发了
???? On March 14, the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), in partnership with the Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), jointly organized a focus group discussion with over 48 residents of the Gweta community, who shared insights on the changing climate events and their impacts. With over 7,000 residents, the Gweta Community is highly vulnerable to floods, which are caused by increasing rainfall patterns, changing seasons, and the community's growing population. Residents of Gweta are facing extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and intense but brief rainfall, leading to significant socio-economic challenges. These climate impacts cause loss and damage, forced mobility, infrastructure destruction, health issues, and job losses. Floods and extreme weather events are pushing people, especially youth, to leave their communities permanently. As environmental conditions worsen, job opportunities decline, driving internal mobility to urban centers like Maun, Francistown, and Gaborone. Participants suggested proactive climate adaptation measures, including building dams for water storage, investing in flood-resilient infrastructure, and promoting green and smart agriculture. They also called for a new approach to land allocation in Gweta to ensure that people do not reside or build houses in the flood plains. Additionally, residents affirm that planned relocation could be a major solution to the community’s vulnerability. As we engage key communities and sectors in hotspot areas across the country throughout March, this process will facilitate knowledge-sharing and collective action to address climate risks and advance adaptation efforts. It underscores the urgent need for adaptation policies that support both those who move and those who remain, ensuring resilience for all. These consultations have included so far: - Workshops in Gaborone, Jwaneng, Ghanzi, Kasane and Maun - Additional engagements in Mmopane, Lobatse, Goodhope, Kanye, and Serowe - Thematic workshops on the mining and tourism sectors - Focus group discussions at with communities in Gweta village Stay tuned for more insights from the Botswana Climate Mobility Deep Dive, and for the forthcoming release of the Botswana Climate Mobility Profile and Blueprint, which will provide an in-depth insight into climate mobility realities in Botswana. #ClimateMobility |? #BotswanaDeepDive