A stakeholders’ training workshop on how to leverage an innovative digital platform to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development has been held in Tamale.
The initiative dubbed: “Climate Risk and Vulnerability Information Portal” (CRVIP), was tailored to enhancing effective decision-making on climate-related issues, especially at the local level.
The training brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations and officials from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA)
It was organized by the African Foundation for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (AFCCSD) and formed part of the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) initiative to provide the country with a holistic Adaptation Plan under the United Nations Environment Programme with funding support from the Green Climate Fund.
Participants included officials from TaMA’s Development Planning Unit, the Statistical and Agricultural Department, and EPA, amongst others.
It was to equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively use the climate portal in planning for climate adaptation across the Metropolis.
Dr Franz Alex Gaisie Essilfie, a consultant on the project, speaking during the training, explained that the portal was geospatial in nature and provided a centralized platform for data visualization and prediction to support informed decision-making.
He said the portal featured a dedicated server to ensure reliability, flexibility, and security, serving as a comprehensive hub for climate and risk data relevant to the Assembly.
The initiative is currently being piloted in three assemblies-Sefwi Bekwai, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale.
Dr Steve Ampofo, Coordinating Consultant and Lecturer at CK Tedam University, emphasized that the training was tailored to help assemblies plan more effectively and respond to climate change issues for sustainable development.
He said the portal allowed users to easily access climate information within the Metropolis supporting both policy decisions and guiding critical investment choices.
He said, “The impact of climate change is global but it significantly affects the local communities, especially in agriculture and health. That is why this portal is being developed to enhance their resilience.”
Dr Ampofo said, “Disaster relief managers can also rely on the portal for planning interventions and programmes at the local level.”
He urged Development Planning Unit of the Assembly to regularly update the portal to ensure the public accessed relevant data for effective planning.
Professor Samuel Jerry Cobbinah, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, University for Development Studies, described the initiative as a critical tool for promoting sustainable development and climate resilience.
He said it would play key role in reducing the risk of climate-related losses and damages, especially in vulnerable communities.
He added that the portal would also foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and enhanced climate risk awareness to improve community resilience.
Mr Mohammed Salahudeen Salam, a participant, expressed appreciation to AFCCSD and its partners for the training and pledged to use the knowledge gained to support other vulnerable communities.
By Solomon Gumah, GNA
