Reflecting on my engagement in Somalia over the past decade, it’s been a profoundly transformative journey. My involvement began with supporting the establishment of their hydrometeorological working group, which was a foundational step towards enhancing the nation’s capacity to understand and respond to climate variability. The subsequent development of a multi-hazard early warning centre marked a significant milestone in Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its communities against natural disasters.
Conducting thorough assessments of coastal hazards and adaptation options revealed the extensive and prosperous coastal areas of Somalia, highlighting the untapped potential for robust climate action. The economic evaluation of the #EWS was particularly revealing; for every USD invested in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, we observed a return of USD 59.3 for droughts and USD 17.0 for floods. These figures underscore the immense value and impact of preemptive climate resilience investments.
I am heartened by the Green Climate Fund‘s commitment to supporting Somalia in its climate action efforts. The recent visit by our Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte, to Somalia, as reported by Climate Change News, is a promising indication of the fund’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable climate action. This engagement represents a new approach that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against climate change.
As I look to the future, I am optimistic that the continued support from international entities, coupled with Somalia’s growing capacity to manage climate risks, will lead to even greater advancements in the country’s environmental resilience and economic stability.
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Diagram: Relationship chart of institutional arrangements in Somalia on MHEWS
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD 