Tag Archives: Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC)

Environment, Malawi, Regional

Malawi committed to restore climate change’ impact on loss, damage

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment towards restoring loss and damage due to the effects of climate change.

Malawi Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes however challenged African nations to speak in unison in advocating for climate justice, financing assessments, and tackling loss and damage emanating from the effects of climate change.

Wiskes was addressing the ongoing 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage in the capital Lilongwe on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

The Minister hinted that Malawi is ready to work with all stakeholders to address the growing impacts of climate change, stressing the importance of collaboration in finding sustainable solutions for affected communities.

She however underscored the need for collective action in addressing challenges related to the effects of climate change.

Wiskes also bemoaned that despite Malawi and African countries contributing the least greenhouse gas emissions, the continent has endured the most devastating impacts.

The Minister therefore called on European countries to commit to financing mechanisms that would compensate African nations adversely affected by climate change.

She therefore lauded Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and its partners, including GAP Concern, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, and others, for successfully organizing the conference and for their continued leadership in driving climate action and advocacy in Malawi.

Echoing the same, CISONECC Board Chairperson Gift Numeri underscored the need to protect vulnerable citizens enduring the immense adverse impacts of climate change in rural communities.

Numeri therefore urged nations to consider devising local solutions to the matter while also advocating for climate financing, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives.

Head of Programmes and Research at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Charles Mwangi however cited challenge of political determination as a major obstacle hampering climate financing.

Mwangi therefore urged that the world has enough resources to finance and revamp all damages and losses incurred in countries as a result of climate change.

Under the theme, “Advancing Sustainable, Equitable, and Just Financing and Technical Support for Loss and Damage in Africa” conference has been organized by CISONECC and its partners.

The conference runs from today till Friday, March 27, 2026 and has attracted participants

Environment, Regional

CISONEC to host 5th African Regional Conference on loss and damage, March 25

Maravi Post Reporter 1 Comment

By Watipaso Mzungu

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Renowned policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, researchers, and community representatives from across the African Region are expected to converge in Lilongwe from March 25-27, 2026, in Lilongwe, Malawi, for the 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage.

The Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) will host the conference whose main aim is to discuss solutions to the growing impacts of climate change on the continent and strengthen technical capacity for assessing climate impacts.

The event, themed “Advancing Sustainable, Equitable and Just Financing and Technical Support for Loss and Damage in Africa,” will focus on sustainable and equitable financing for Loss and Damage, establishing the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), and strengthening Africa’s collective voice in global climate negotiations.

“Africa continues to face severe climate impacts, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather events that are destroying homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems,” said CISONECC National Coordinator, Julius Ng’oma, in an interview on Thursday evening.

Ng’oma lamented that despite progress in establishing the FRLD, many African countries still face major barriers in accessing climate finance and technical support.

The conference is expected to produce a communiqué outlining Africa’s priorities and recommendations on Loss and Damage, as well as a regional roadmap to guide Africa’s engagement in upcoming global climate negotiations.

“Support for Loss and Damage in Africa is crucial for advancing climate justice and protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Ng’oma.

“We call on stakeholders across Africa and beyond to support efforts aimed at strengthening technical capacity, improving access to climate finance, and promoting sustainable and equitable financing for Loss and Damage.”

The event is being held in collaboration with partners, and will provide a platform for discussing solutions to the growing impacts of climate change on the continent.

Environment, Malawi, Regional

Cycling for Climate Justice in on-going COP-29: With calls for funding accessibility to Malawi’s vulnerable communities

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s environmental and climate change advocates are calling for easy access to funding for smaller organizations working directly with vulnerable communities for rural voices.

The call was made during the just ended Malawi Climate Justice Caravan, a cycling event advocating for climate justice for the on-going Conference of Parties on Climate (COP-29) in Baku in Azerbaijan.

The Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) with support from Concern Worldwide and Oxfam Africa through Oxfam Malawi organized the Climate Justice Caravan from Saturday to Monday which started in Blantyre and pass through Balaka, Ntcheu, Dedza and concluded in Lilongwe.

Addressing the media at the end of Caravan, NYNCC National Coordinator Dominic Nyasulu called for fair, accessible funding for smaller organizations.

“This movement fights for an equitable future where those bearing the climate crisis’s brunt are empowered and supported.

“This is the reason we want developed nation at COP-29 for provide enough funding for local organisations for various climate change adaptation programmes towards vulnerable communities”, appeals Nyasulu.

In his remarks, Oxfam Malawi Project Coordinator Kondwan Mubisa called for community voices to be at the forefront of discussions at #COP29 COP29 in Baku.

Mubisa observed that communities in developing nations including Malawi face the harshest impacts of climate change and deserve a central role in shaping the global response.

“Vulnerable Clcommunities’ experiences and challenges must guide climate action to ensure solutions truly meet their needs”, urgues Mubisa.

One of the cyclists, Mike Liwonda said a three-day journey was tough but worthy which advocated for climate justice.

“This journey highlights Malawi’s urgent climate challenges—droughts, floods, rising lake levels, and Cyclone Freddy—largely fueled by actions of wealthier, high-polluting nations.

“Malawi needs #climatejustice with financial support to recover and invest in green solutions”, he said.

Liwonda therefore called for investments in renewable energy and subsidies for clean energy sources including solar power and LPG, to reduce Malawi’s dependence on polluting fuels.

“It’s time for #COP29 leaders to support true #ClimateResilience for all”, he concluded.

During the launch of cycling caravan, CISONECC Board Member Melton Luhanga said the primary goal of the cycling event is to demand accountability from developed nations.

He called for climate finance to be offered as grants—not loans—to support countries severely affected by climate change.

Luhanga however observed that CISONECC members are united in their commitment to amplifying the voices of those most impacted.

He therefore appealed, “Time is now for developed countries to support developing nations fairly and adequately”.

Environment, Malawi

Road to CoP29: NYNCC, CISONECC mentor youths on climate change action negotiation

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Young people are said to be vital in climate change action negotiations hence their inclusion ahead of this year’s Conference of Parties (COP) 29 which is slated for Baku in Azerbaijan.

CoP29 focuses much on climate financing pledges particularly targeting least developing nations towards adaptations programs implemention.

This is the reason Youth Network for Climate Change (NYNCC) and Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) have intensified capacity building in young people ahead of CoP 29.

Addressing the High-Level Youth Dialogue on Climate Action on Friday, November 1, 2024 in the capital Lilongwe which NYNCC and CISONECC organised, Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) deputy director Evans Njewa emphasized the need for the nation to invest in young people.

Njewa expressed satisfaction in growing enthusiasm among youth for climate conservation and management.

“We need the youth to become practitioners and advocates who can effectively disseminate information about climate issues.

“Youths innovative approaches are essential for tackling climate change. This is reason capacity building is paramount ahead of this year’s CoP 29,” says Njewa.

Echoing the same, CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma hinted the need for youngsters to be on forefront in climate change action negotiations for sustainability of adaptation programme implementation.

“This high-level youth engagement policy dialogue aimed at strengthening capacity for inclusive climate negotiations.

“The event highlighted the critical role young people play in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable practices. We want youth critical thinkers in climate change action negotiations for impact ahead of CoP 29 hence the inclusion and capacity building on young people,” says Ng’oma.

In his remarks, NYNCC National Coordinator Dominic Nyasulu emphasized the need for the country’s leadership to invest in young people on climate change adaptation programme as they are drivers of change.

Nyasulu is therefore optimistic that the training offers to young people on Climate Change action negotiations will have meaning impact.

In a bid to build capacity for young people on climate change action negotiations,

One of youths negotiators from Mzuzu University and a member of NYNCC Akuzike Favor Phiri lauded the mentorship program saying meeting’s equipping young people with skills for international climate communication is vital.

“Malawi needs climate financing towards implementation of adaptation programs. We should receive funding for climate loss and adaptation initiatives.

“We can’t be able to negotiate with developing nations when we lack communication skills on how to present our concerns. The training has summed it all for easy negotiations”, lauds Akuzike.

The High level meeting underscored the importance of youth engagement in shaping climate policy and fostering a collaborative approach to environmental challenges.

Environment, Malawi

“Youths key in COP’s resolutions, commitments implementation”-CISONECC, NYNCC

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) have emphasised the need for young people to continue to be part and parcel of the Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP)’s resolutions implementation.

The two groupings observe that young people and children must embrace COPs proceeding for their inputs be taken on board.

Addressing the Post COP28 reflection session on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in the capital Lilongwe, CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma hinted that despite COPs summits being complex, young cannot be left behind saying youths are in the realm of the decision-making stage.

N’goma urges young people to embrace the spirit of tracking COP’s resolutions and commitments.

“Advocacy is a long-term approach for certain resolutions, and commitments of the aftermath of COP summits to bear fruits hence the need for everything including youths to be part and parcel of the processes,” observes Ng’oma.

Echoing the same, NYNCC Dominic Nyasulu said COPs meetings are vital as they act as inclusive global forums where young people showcase their ideas on how they have been affected by the effects of climate change.

“The COP28 reflection session aimed at providing a platform for CSOs and Youth delegates to share their experience (challenges, opportunities, and recommendations). We want young people to understand COPs processes for an informed decision,” said Nyasulu.

With joint financial support from Save The Children, Concern Worldwide, CISONECC and NYNCC, a Post COP28 reflection session aimed at enhancing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and youth leaders’ understanding of UNFCCC negotiations and COP processes, identifying opportunities to increase CSOs and youth participation.

NYNCC with support from Concern Worldwide organized a serious virtual meeting for youth to follow the proceedings of the just-ended COP28 summit that was held in Dubai.

The virtual sessions allowed young people to ask questions and understand COP processes.

Environment, Malawi, Regional

#COP28UAE: Malawi environmental experts demand Loss and Damage fund’s full operationalization

Lloyd M’bwana

DUBAI-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s environmental experts are demanding serious commitments and full operationalization not pledges on Loss and Damage fund from developed nations.

The call comes as developed nations have pledges about US$740 million towards Loss and Damage Fund in the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) National Coordinator, Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi President and National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma , Matthews Malata, and Dominic Nyasulu respectively are part of discussion demands underway in Dubai.

The trio were addressing youth gathering virtually on Friday morning, December 8, 2024, on the COP28 proceedings.

Ng’oma told the youths that there is still negotiations going on how the fund will be utilized arguing that conditions attached to the funds needs to be revised for easy access.

He disclosed that there are over ten conditions attached to the funds with fears that it will be hard for developing nations to access the resources.

“This is just a pledge. We want total commitment and operationalization of the fund for developing nations to start accessing the resources. However, our worries are on conditions attached to the fund by World Bank,” worried Ng’oma.

Echoing the same Nyasalu hinted that, “We want to see this funding benefit young people directly in implementing projects related to loss and damages that Malawi experienced last growing season including Cyclone Freddy”.

Malata chipped in, “We want this funding to be fully utilized towards climate change effects’ adaptation mechanisms as Malawi still lagging behind on it”.

National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) has organised Zoom meetings for youths to follow the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

With funding from Concern Worldwide, NYNCC’s virtual meetings for Malawian youths to follow the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

Friday meeting attracted youths from high learning institutions, including Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU), Lake View University and others.

Environment

Commonwealth envoy impressed with Malawi’s climate change progress

Maravi Post Author

By Sosten Mpinganjira and Chimwemwe Topola

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi High Commission to the United Kingdom says it is impressed with the progress made in the implementation of the ‘Enhancing Access and Participation in Climate Change Policy Development and Implementation Project’ that Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) is implementing in collaboration with DAPP Malawi.

Dr Thomas Bisika, Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, made the remarks when he paid a visit to Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) offices in Lilongwe to appreciate the work so far done under the £60,480.27, two years, Commonwealth Foundation supported the project.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Bisika reiterated his commitment to supporting efforts for addressing climate change in Malawi and, therefore, pledged more support to ensure that CISONECC continues to make a lasting impact in the fight against climate change in Malawi.

The Commonwealth Foundation-supported project is expected to further strengthen collaboration and coordination between national and sub-national actors in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of climate change management instruments.

In his remarks, Julius Ng’oma, the National Coordinator of CISONECC, expressed his gratitude for the High Commissioner’s visit, acknowledging its profound contribution to the project’s overall effectiveness.

Ng’oma emphasized the vital role played by the financial backing from the Commonwealth Foundation in addressing climate change, stressing that the collaboration between CISONECC and the Commonwealth has had a significant impact on Malawi’s climate change initiatives.

“We are thankful for the financial support provided by the Commonwealth Foundation. This support has been instrumental in our efforts to tackle climate change and enhance the much-needed collaboration in building climate resilience in Malawi.

“We pledge to continue working closely with DAPP Malawi to ensure that the project meets its expectations and delivers a sustainable impact,” said Ng’oma.

According to Ng’oma, the project is dedicated to contributing to climate change resilience and has been making significant strides in raising awareness, building capacity, and implementing practical solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change in the target regions.

This project is supported by the Commonwealth Foundation and is currently being implemented in the districts of Dowa, Nkhata Bay, Salima, and Balaka

Environment, Malawi

“Disaster bill still under review before enactment”-DoDMA

Lloyd M’bwana
disaster

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Friday, January 20, 2023 disclosed that the much awaited enactment of Disaster Risk Management Bill (DRM) is still under review before fully Malawi Parliament.

DoDMA Commissioner Charles Kalemba emphasized the need for accommodative law that will be accepted by all Malawians.

Kalemba hinted that there are emerging issues that need to be included before passing it into law.

The commissioner was responding to Maravi Post question as to why the bill failed to see its light in the last seating of Parliament despite assurance.

This is also despite President Lazarus Chakwera promising enactment of the bill two years ago but nothing has happened.

Chakwera caught lying on Disaster bill enactment

“The bill is still under review basing on emerging issues which need to be incorporated before passing it into law. We wont abandon the will.

“Cabinet assured us that the bill is on the list for the coming seating as the last session prioritized on money bills. So, Malawians must be patient enough. We want the law that is accepted by many”, assures Kalemba.

In December 2020, during national address Chakwera committed himself that the bill would be tabled in Parliament and passed into law, come January 2021 seating.

Two years down the line, nothing on the ground but only dilly-darling on the bill between DoDMA and Ministry of Justice.

The development still angering Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and its partners as to why Chakwera commitment has not been materialized despite finalization of the bill’s paper work through thorough consultations.

Addressing the news conference on Friday evening, December 16, 2022 in the capital Lilongwe CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma expressed worrisome over lack of political will from executive arm of government.

Ng’oma dared Chakwera to fulfil his promises on the bill arguing that two years is a long time considering urgent matter surrounding the bill.

“Was President Chakwera commitment national address on the matter real or political statement? Look, Members of Parliament (MPs) are ready to deliberate and pass the bill into law. But the challenges remains with DoDMA and Executive arm of government.

“We hear that there is no draft bill when all in all we have exhausted our energies for inputs that Malawi should have preparedness law on disaster. If there are gaps in the draft bill, Ministry of Justice could come to us than seating on it while disasters still striking hard, claiming lives,” worried Ng’oma.

The bill seeks to empower DoDMA to have proper funding from national budget not on unforeseen vote.

If enacted, the law will prevent people from staying in prone disasters areas.

Environment, Malawi

Malawi’s Natural Resources Minister Mkaka confesses on GCF’s inaccessibility

Lloyd M’bwana
Mkaka on GCF accessibility

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Natural Resources and Climate Change Minister Eisenhower Mkaka on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 admits in difficulties to access Green Climate Fund (GCF) for government adaptation programs.

Mkaka however said the ministry was in talks with GCF financiers to review proposal guidelines that list developing nations including Malawi have access to the funds.

The minister was speaking during a media engagement on Malawi’s participation at the upcoming 27th Conference of Parties (CoP27) slated for November in Egypt.

This comes as Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) and other groupings are grappling to tap resources from GFC due to guidelines’ complexity.

“It’s not only CSOs having difficulties in access GCF resource but also government. We are currently talking with GCF financiers to review guidelines that the local sector must access the resources easily.

“However, for CSOs to access GCF resources are supposed to pass through the ministry that their programs must be aligned with what Malawi government is implementing, ” says Mkaka.

According to the minister Malawi needs US$46.5 billion to implement climate change impact management activities.

Mkaka said about a quarter of the amount will be funded locally and the rest depends on donor support.

He decried challenges developing countries have been facing to access funds from developed members of the United Nations Congress on Climate Change.

“Apart from non-governmental organisations, countries have found it very difficult to access these funds. We have been talking with international partners to have them revise processes and requirements for applications since they have proved to be a stumbling block,” he added.

Mkaka said at CoP27, Malawi will be following up on financial pledges that were made by country parties at CoP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Some of the pledges include the US$350 million which was made towards the Adaptation Fund and $600 million which was promised to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

If fulfilled, Mkaka said, the pledges would help countries like Malawi strengthen the resilience of their vulnerable communities to effects of climate change.

Echoing the same during the presser, Egypt Ambassador to Malawi Mahomed Elsharif said the conference provides an opportunity for Malawi and other nations to reaffirm their commitment to the global climate agenda.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Malawi Maria Do Valle Ribeiro said time has come to “focus on critical issues surrounding matters of climate change” and greenhouse emissions which, she said, continue to negatively affect lives.

CoP27 will be held in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh from November 6 to 18 2022.

President Lazarus Chakwera is also expected to lead Malawi delegation to CoP27.

Environment, Malawi

“New Disaster Risk Management law ready by Jan 2023”-DoDMA

Lloyd M’bwana
Chisala and Kalemba (from left)

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The much awaited enactment of Disaster Risk Management Bill is expected to become a new law by January 2023 raising hopes to contain current situation on disaster management.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Commissioner Charles Kalemba told The Maravi Post during the three day national dialogue platform for anticipatory action in Malawi on Wednesday, October 20, 2022 that the bill is at Ministry of Justice that this coming Parliament session will be on the agenda.

The assurance comes barely months after Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) planed to meet President Lazarus Chakwera on stalled enactment of Disaster Risk Management Bill.

CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma told the news conference in February this year that the enactment of the bill is long over due that urgent attention from high office needs to intervene.

But Kalemba has now assured stakeholders in disaster sector that the new law will compel government to put more resources in managing disasters.

With the new law coming, the commissioner disclosed that citizens will have rights to take government to court if it fails its responsibility towards containing disaster.

“We should expect the new law in place by January 2023. Its at Ministry of Justice that thereafter will go through cabinet then Parliament for deliberation.

“The department will make sure that resources be enough to implement programs in managing disasters not only on papers,” assures Kalemba.

In her remarks, Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) Director of Programs Prisca Chisala whose organisation is working closely with DoDMA hopes that the new law will ease resources burden towards disasters.

Chisala said the national dialogue is vital towards the implementation of disasters policy and frameworks

“The two and half days’ workshop seeks to develop a joint Malawi Anticipatory Action Roadmap to help institutionalize but also harmonize the coordinated efforts.

“The Anticipatory Action Roadmap for Malawi will further integrate and builds on the Southern Africa Regional Anticipatory Action Roadmap which the Government of Malawi is a party to it,” she said.

Chisala added, “It is high time for Government of Malawi and other development agencies to consolidate and harmonize our activities that are being implemented in different parts of the country. The different response mechanisms put in place in mitigating to the multiple hazards that affect the country every year requires joint efforts for strengthening the capacities at different levels. 

“The Anticipatory Actions Roadmap will provide space for upscaling the good practices that each institution is promoting. Thus, regular interface between different actors is paramount in our day-to-day work. The role which each partner will play in this meeting will be appreciated”.

The Anticipatory Actions in Malawi which is under the theme; “Ready to Act before Disaster Impact” has attracted stakeholder in disasters.

Danish Red Cross through the ECHO funded project has finance the conference alongside with other partners including FAO and other UN agencies with resources, time and guidelines towards preparations of the meeting.