To achieve the ambitious aim of the 21st session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) of keeping global warming below 2°C and minimizing the negative impact of climate change, a number of interventions and initiatives will be required to respond to climate change and improve upon the livelihoods on the African continent. One such intervention is the Regional Flagship Programmes (RFPs).Under the patronage of the President of African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and Minister of Environment for the Arab Republic of Egypt, the NEPAD Agency hosted an event on the sidelines of COP21 to create awareness on the RFPs and discuss practical ways of implementing the programmes.“No country can control climate risks it faces on its own. It is predicted that by 2030, dry and arid regions would expand by 10 per cent. Climate change presents both a challenge and opportunity for will also impact significantly on Africa’s the agriculture sector as African farmers risk losing their croplands” said the.NEPAD Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, Mrs Estherine Fotabong-Lisinge at the opening of the side event mentioned that combating climate change is complex and requires the effort of all players at all levels: local, national, regional and international. “The RFPs have brought together African countries to face challenges linked to the environment and sustainable development.”
