JUST TRANSITION FOR THE PEOPLE OF LAMU

In preparation of COP29, Lamu Women Alliance and Save Lamu under the umbrella of African Climate Justice led a vibrant movement of change, bringing together women & youth who share the same voice of addressing the climate injustices as well as the harmful infrastructural projects in Lamu.

For many years, local communities have been tricked into using false solutions to curb climate change which has led to more deterioration of the climate in Lamu. Talk of heat intensity in Lamu, huge waves that sometimes hinder fishing, the wind, all these being effects of climate change in Lamu. With the joined voices, these women and youth altogether concluded to say No to such false solutions that they have been doing with no much improvement noticed.

Zulfa Hassan, popularly known as “mama mikoko” expressed her concerns on the need to safeguard the mangrove ecosystem in Lamu. “Lamu is rich in mangrove, and as a society we need to safeguard our mangrove, they are a source of livelihood to many and have a high carbon sink therefore very important since they cleanse our atmosphere leaving us with fresh air to breath”. Stated Zulfa.

Speaking during the discussion, LAWA secretary, Khadija Shekuwe emphasized on the need to promote real climate solutions that prioritize people over profit rather than use of false solutions.

Lamu being at the coastline, it is also one of the world heritage sites rich in both cultural and natural resources which has been protected and preserved for many generations, these women addressed the need to protect and restore the ecosystem in Lamu stating that it would be beneficial for sustaining local livelihoods, food security and biodiversity.

For the longest time women in lamu have been sidelined In matters of governance and climate related decision-making process, however during the peace walk held at Kitau area in Shella ward, with one voice the women and youth demanded for inclusivity, urging their voices to be heard at all levels of governance and action.

In solidarity, they urged the County Government to end harmful extractive projects in Lamu, stating that such activities threaten the environment, livelihoods, cultural heritage of Lamu as well as compromise the future generation.

Through a press statement the communities echoed 6 key demands against climate injustice and harmful infrastructural projects in solidarity with African countries to demand urgent action that prioritizes the well-being of the people of Lamu, environment, and future generations.

check here for the press release statement concerning the demands for the just transition for the people of lamu.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NB6FXel-R6tVWqthg8f5Pyi8DKNA_GSK?usp=drive_link

The demands raised during the event are are as follows:

1.End Harmful Extractive Projects:

We call for the immediate cessation of all extractive industries and harmful infrastructural projects in Lamu. These activities threaten our environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. The future of our communities should not be sacrificed for short-term gains.

2.Adopt and Implement Just Transition Policies:

We demand the adoption of policies that ensure a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels and extractive industries to sustainable and inclusive economies. Our transition must prioritize the health of our environment and the well-being of all people.

3. Promote Real Climate Solutions:

Our communities need real, community-led climate solutions that are environmentally sustainable and socially just. We reject false solutions that perpetuate inequality and environmental degradation. Real solutions must prioritize people over profit.

4. Ensure Women and Youth Inclusion: Women and youth must be at the forefront of climate-related decision-making processes. Their leadership and inclusion are vital in achieving climate justice, and their voices must be heard at every level of governance and action.

5.Protect and Restore Ecosystems:

We advocate for the protection and restoration of Lamu’s ecosystems, especially our coastal and marine environments, which are essential for sustaining local livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity.

6.Support for Climate Resilience:

 We call for increased investment in community-driven initiatives that enhance climate resilience. This includes support for sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness measures to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change.

The time for action is now. We urge our government and global leaders to listen to the voices of frontline communities living in the coastal lines like Lamu, Kenya and the rest of Africa. We are not just fighting for our survival but for generations to come for a fairer and more sustainable world for everyone.

“Something should be done and the time is now” stated Fatma Farah on a one-on-one Interview during the peaceful procession she however emphasized more on the increased investment in community driven initiatives to enhance climate resilience that supports sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and disaster preparedness measures to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

“Together we stand in solidarity advocating for a Just transition for the people of Lamu”.

below is a link to a short video concerning the just transition for the people of lamu.

https://www.facebook.com/Lamuwomenalliance/videos/2059341704536241/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v