Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
A groundbreaking project dubbed “Green Accountability” was launched in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, on Thursday, January 30, 2025 marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote climate accountability and transparency.
The project, which kicked off in November last year and will run until November this year, aims to upgrade the skills of civil society organizations (CSOs) in climate accountability and transparency.
The launch coincided with consultations between CSOs and stakeholders on their contributions to climate accountability and transparency, with a focus on the plights of indigenous people and local communities.
According to the project lead, the initiative is crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in climate action.
“The objective is to upgrade the contributions of civil society organizations in climate accountability and transparency,” says Clarisse FOMBANA, project lead.
The project is being implemented in Cameroon by three main CSOs: Support Service to Local Initiatives and Development (SAILD), Field Legality Advisory Group (FLAG), and Green Development Advocate (GDA).
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is financing the project, which falls in line with the government of Cameroon’s vision to reduce the effects of climate change.
“The choice of civil society organizations is because they are like the interface between the administration and indigenous communities,” says MBOUNA Duclaire, National Coordinator of WRI Cameroon.
He explained that the initiative which is that of the global partnership for social accountability at the level of the world bank is part of their efforts to promote transparency and accountability in climate action globally.
Presentat the workshop to edify the CSOs was Prof. Thimothe KAGOMBE, a consultant on the project who presented the technicalities of green accountability, emphasizing the need for CSOs to mobilize and assist the government in promoting transparency and accountability.
“CSOs have a critical role to play in ensuring that climate finance is used effectively and efficiently,” he said.
“We believe that green accountability is essential in ensuring that climate finance is used to benefit the most vulnerable communities.”
A civil society actor who attended the launch saluted the initiative, saying it was a step in the right direction.
“This project will help to promote transparency and accountability in climate action, which is critical in ensuring that we achieve our climate goals.”
The project’s launch marks the beginning of a new era in promoting climate accountability and transparency in Cameroon.
With the support of CSOs, the government, and funders like WRI, the project is expected to make a significant impact in promoting transparency and accountability in climate action.
