Seven Norwegian MPs in Tanzania to learn about climate change

OSLO, Norway, September 20, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Norwegian Parliament is visiting Tanzania 20-24 September. Their aim is to discuss how Norway can become an even better partner in promoting economic growth and development in Tanzania, in a way that avoids further pressure on climate change and environment.

Tanzania is already experiencing visible effects of climate change such as prolonged drought, desertification, floods and changing rainfall pattern which is affecting farming and pastoral activities. The country's future economic growth and development depends upon finding a way to mitigate and adapt to these effects of climate change.

- I am very pleased to welcome the MPs to Tanzania. Climate change threatens future economic growth and development in Tanzania. Norway can be a partner in finding solutions, including access to sustainable energy sources, combating deforestation and improving sustainable agriculture, says Ambassador Ingunn Klepsvik.

Tanzania's CO2 emissions are estimated at 100 million tons every year. Deforestation is the largest contributing factor to this. Norway has agreed to supports efforts to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) in Tanzania with USD 100 million over five years. The programme recognizes services provided by living forests. Such services are at global level emission reductions and at local level improved water resources management and livelihood for communities. The Norwegian members of parliament will among others meet villagers from Kolo Hills in Kondoa District who benefit from this programme.

In addition to official meetings in Dar es Salaam the seven Norwegian parliamentarians will visit the power plant in Kihansi (which was built with support from Norway and other partners), forest plantations in Mufindi and spend one day in Arusha National Park.

The group of seven parliamentarians has members from four different Norwegian political parties. They are all members of The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. Three of the parliamentarians represent the coalition government in Norway, while four come from the opposition parties. The visit to Tanzania is part of a mission to Ghana and Tanzania.