Building a National Climate Change Learning Strategy
Benin has developed a national climate change learning strategy through a process that engaged a diverse range of stakeholders. In December 2012, the strategy was validated at a workshop in Cotonou that brought together over 50 participants from government sectors, such as environment, economy, education, development, finance, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, energy, water and coastal protection; education and training institutions; civil society; and development partners. An implementation framework was agreed upon.
The strategy is available in French and can be downloaded below:
To support the strategy development and implementation, a background report was developed to identify existing initiatives working towards capacity development and to make sure that the strategy complements and reinforces ongoing work. The report also outlines actions to strengthen climate change education and identifies key organizations working in this field.
The report is available in French and can be downloaded below:
Turning the Strategy into Actions
Engaging Youth on Climate Change
Some of the key activities aiming to put the strategy into practice include:
Benin participated in a Youth Climate Dialogue in May 2016. The dialogue took place between the Collège d’enseignement général 1 d’Abomey-Calavi and Collège la Plénitude from Cotonou and the Collège Anatole France from Tours, in France. This was the first dialogue organized in partnership with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Météo France, as well as CANOPE of the Académie d’ Orléans-Tours (Network of educational creation and pedagogical support), with support from UNDP.
The Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MCVDD), with technical and financial support from UNESCO, organized the first School Competition on Climate Change in 2019 and involved pupils aged 10-15. The top 12 contestants answered questions from a jury in a programme broadcasted by the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin. The top three contestants received an award from the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. This initiative is expected be become an annual event.
Benin also participated in a Youth Climate Dialogue in May 2016. The dialogue took place between the Collège d’enseignement général 1 d’Abomey-Calavi and Collège la Plénitude from Cotonou and the Collège Anatole France from Tours, in France. This was the first dialogue organized in partnership with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Météo France, as well as CANOPE of the Académie d’ Orléans-Tours (Network of educational creation and pedagogical support), with support from UNDP.
Training for Professionals
Benin organized training on climate finance for staff of the Ministry of Environment and training on climate diplomacy for negotiators.
Experience-Sharing
Benin has regularly been sharing experiences with other partner countries as part of the UN CC:Learn regional hub in West Africa. For further information, please check the West African Hub page.
Our National Partners
Our work in Benin is coordinated through a National Steering Committee, Comité de Pilotage, that brings together stakeholders from different sectors and communities of interest. We benefit from advice provided by a scientific and technical committee. The work of both committees is linked to the country’s National Climate Change Committee.
The Ministry of Living Environment and Sustainable Development hosts our project coordinator.
Contacts
National Coordinator
Mr. Médard Comlan Ouinakonhan
ACE Focal Point, Coordinator, National UN CC:Learn Project
Ministry of Living Environment and Sustainable Development
01 BP 3621
Cotonou
UN Country Team Liaison
Mr. Constant Houndenou
National Climate Change Policy Adviser
UN Development Programme (UNDP) Benin
Phone: +229 21 31 30 45
Email: constant.houndenou@undp.org
Project News and Activities
School Contest Trains Young People of Benin on Climate Change
15 October 2019 | Cotonou, Benin
Mr. Léonce Glèlè Ahanhanzo Presents his Experience as a UN CC:Learn Ambassador
05 August 2015
Training for Climate Negotiators Organized in Benin
23 January 2014 | Ouidah, Benin