Tanzania is among countries that would benefit from funds donated by Norway to finance projects that aim at reducing the effects of climate change.Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).
In an exclusive interview with The Citizen last week, the Norwegian ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Ingunn Klepsvik, said her country has set aside a total of $500 million (Sh800 billion) for the programme for developing countries.
The ambassador said already Tanzania has the pending REDD funds totalling Sh64 billion ($40 million) out of Sh134.4 billion ($85 million) set aside by her country.
"The Norwegian support has contributed to capacity building both at the national and local levels," she said.
She said the funds, which were set-aside for four years starting from 2008, would be spent up to next year under the Norway and Tanzania bilateral agreement. "Our current agreement on REDD with Tanzania ends in 2013 after which we'll discuss how the two countries would continue cooperating on REDD and other issues on the climate," said the Norwegian diplomat.
She added: "From our view Tanzania has done well in implementing REDD+ since 2008. The process of drafting a national REDD strategy is about to be finalised."
According to the bilateral agreement, the support targets villagers, especially those in community-based pilot projects, as well as the policy development consultation processes.
In terms of local capacity building and research, she said Sokoine University of Agriculture (Sua), University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Ardhi University and the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) were engaged in monitoring climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
