Strengthening Communities’ Resilience to Climate Change in Northern, River Nile and Kassala States

The current climate changes are transforming the world. The last two decades included 18 of the warmest years on record, and extreme weather events, such as forest fires, heatwaves and floods, are becoming more frequent both in Europe and elsewhere. 

Such a rise in the global temperature will have a devastating impact on nature, bringing about irreversible changes to many ecosystems and a consequent loss of biodiversity. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global response. The European Union (EU) is determined to help raise global ambition and is leading by example. 

The EU recognizes Sudan as a pivotal stakeholder in the fight against climate change due to its massive natural resources and vast agricultural land.

Due to Sudan’s strategic geographical location, which includes the White and Blue River Nile dissecting of the country, Sudan has an active role in combating climate change. The European Union realises the potential Sudan has, and therefore has funded the project of “Strengthening Communities’ Resilience to Climate Change in Northern, River Nile and Kassala States”.

This four year project amounts to 5.3 million Euros and is implemented by the Sudanese Red Crescent Society in partnership with the Netherlands Red Cross (Coordinator/Grant holder), Danish Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross.

The project’s primary objective is to increase local communities’ resilience to climate change by focusing on three areas; natural resource management, climate change adaption and mitigation. This will in turn improve management of key natural resources including water, communal forests and rangelands, increase people’s awareness on the need for protection of natural resources, and provide them with the knowledge and means to sustainably manage these resources. Furthermore, the project will create opportunities for livelihood
diversification, with increased opportunities for men, women, and youth to contribute to the
household income.

Ambassador Robert van den Dool, Head of the EU Delegation said, “we are supporting this project for numerous reasons including combating climate change and aiding in community resilience. This project is a commitment of the EU to support Sudan to achieve its goals in sustainable development and strengthen peace and improves the daily living of the Sudanese people”.

Khartoum, 18 August 2020