MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will contribute $7.5 million to the Least-Developed Countries Fund of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to limit the impact of climate change on some of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.
Least-developed countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change yet have the least capacity to cope with its impacts.
This funding will help many of our Pacific island neighbours and poorer Asian countries such as Cambodia to assess and adapt to the likely local impacts of climate change.
For example, in Cambodia, malaria control and flood protection along the Mekong River will be priorities for adaptation funding.
Priorities in Pacific island countries such as Samoa and Kiribati will include: improved climate monitoring; better management of water resources, such as securing water for drinking and irrigation; and, protection of coastal zones from extreme weather events.
The contribution is part of the $32.5 million Climate Change Partnerships initiative announced in the 2007 - 08 Budget.
The Partnerships initiative will also support collaborative programs coordinated by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Mekong River Commission in water resources management, energy efficiency and alternative energy.
Total funding for international climate change initiatives in 2007 - 08, including through new measures announced in the Budget, is expected to reach approximately $100 million.
This funding includes assistance to be provided under the Government's $200 million, five-year Global Initiative on Forests and Climate, which will combat deforestation and promote reforestation and sustainable forest management.
AusAID is currently developing an environment strategy for Australian aid. A discussion draft of this strategy will be available shortly for public comment.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590