The Gender, Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, issued by Mozambique’s Ministry for the Coordination of Environmental Affairs (MICOA) in June 2010, establishes an integrated framework for mainstreaming gender considerations throughout the environmental sector. Its principal objective is to improve the quality of life of the population, particularly women and local communities, by promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Strategy seeks to ensure equal access to and control over natural resources, climate adaptation and mitigation technologies, and development opportunities, while empowering women and poorer communities to participate effectively in environmental management. It expressly addresses gender inequalities in access to land, water, credit, technologies and other natural resources and promotes women’s involvement in the design and implementation of environmental and climate-related programmes. The Strategy identifies six strategic objectives covering the empowerment of women and local communities; gender equality in decision-making, environmental education and capacity-building; mainstreaming gender considerations into policies, programmes, strategies, plans and public budgets; strengthening institutional knowledge and gender-sensitive information systems; promoting gender equity within MICOA; and reinforcing institutional mechanisms for implementation and monitoring. Its actions encompass sustainable natural-resource management and biodiversity conservation, reforestation and control of deforestation and desertification, water management, clean energy, climate-resilient agriculture, food and nutritional security, disaster risk reduction and early-warning systems. Specific adaptation measures include rainwater storage, small dams, drought-resistant and short-cycle crops, agricultural practices aimed at increasing production and productivity, and alternative sources of income. Implementation is to involve public institutions, private entities, communities and national and international partners, supported by gender-sensitive indicators and periodic monitoring and evaluation.
Mozambique · 2010-06-01