The first Belgian bilateral programme to focus exclusively on climate change could see Belgium cancel part of the debt it is owed from Mozambique in exchange for climate projects.
Mozambique, one of the 14 partner countries of Belgian development cooperation, emits just a fraction of global emissions, but it is extremely vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis.
In recent years, it has been hit by three unusually powerful cyclones, claiming hundreds of lives and causing significant damage to its infrastructure. To make matters worse, it does not have enough resources to arm itself against such disasters.
During a visit to the country, Minister for Development Cooperation, Caroline Gennez, signed a new cooperation programme to cover the period from 2023 to 2028, which was announced by Belgium last year.
It involves a total contribution of €25 million and at the request of the Mozambicans, it is entirely dedicated to the fight against climate change. This makes it the first Belgian bilateral programme to focus exclusively on the issue.
"Mozambique is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Storms and floods are becoming increasingly intense and long-lasting. It costs human lives," Gennez said. "No country can face this alone. If we are to tackle the climate crisis seriously, we must do it together."
One area of action will be devoted to adaptation, while the other will focus on "loss and damage" linked to climate change, which was the focus of the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt (COP27). A specific budget of €2.5 million has been earmarked for this.
Credit: Belga / Bo Bouilliaert
This aspect will be further strengthened by a "debt-for-climate swap" which could see Belgium cancel €2.4 million of Mozambique's debt to the Belgian state, almost half of the €5.6 million, in exchange for investments in the fight against the climate crisis.
If the Mozambican government agrees to the swap proposal, the €500,000 that the southern African country annually transfers to the Belgian state in three instalments would instead go to Enabel, the Belgian development agency, to be used for Belgian climate projects in Mozambique.
Related News
- European complaint against Brussels Airlines to stop 'greenwashing'
- 'A disgrace': Belgium under fire for abstaining on EU nature restoration law
"That way we catch two birds with one stone. The outstanding debt reduces, and we mobilise additional resources for the fight against the climate crisis," Gennez explained on Friday.
However, aside from awaiting Mozambican approval, the proposal also needs to be given the green light by the Federal Government.
