September 26, 2023 Yaounde – Cameroon.
1. Preamble
We, the participants of the Africa People’s Counter COP (APCC), organized by the Action for the Conservation of Endangered Species now Action for Conservation and Environmental Sustainability (ACES) held a meeting with local communities in Lom Pangar on the 24 September 2023 and online session on the 26th September 2023 under the auspices of the African Climate Justice Collective (ACJC) in recognition of the urgent need to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts and injustices of the dam that we are facing. We acknowledge the significant role of indigenous knowledge
and community involvement in climate action and the need for more equitable, sustainable and resilient solutions.
2. Acknowledgment
We acknowledge the severe impacts of the Lom Pangar and Nachtigal hydroelectric dams on the people, the environment, and the local economy. We recognize that the dam, while providing substantial energy benefits, has also led to displacement, loss of livelihoods, destruction of ecosystems, and disruption of local cultures.
We acknowledge the importance of the African Climate Summit that brought together some 17 African heads of States, Ministers, and Members of Parliament hosted by Kenya from the 4-6 September 2023 for the first time to discuss the issues of climate change, climate finance, and Africa’s energy system for the future.
We acknowledge the African Union released African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and noticed that its short of our expectations to combat climate change in Africa as no concrete climate actions such agroecology has been mentioned in the Declaration nor any concrete measure cut off fossil fuel was proposed.
We acknowledge the role and importance civil society organisations play in the fight against climate injustices to represent and be the voice of the voiceless Africans in proposing concrete solutions to such as cutting of climate change.
3. Commitment to Community Empowerment
We commit to empowering local communities to assert their rights, to actively participate in decision-
making processes, and to lead in the creation and implementation of resilience measures. We believe in the power of community-led solutions, and we support initiatives that are rooted in local knowledge and practices.
4. Call for Sustainable Practices
We call for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of large infrastructure projects such as dams’ construction and operation that disrupt local ecosystems, displace communities, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. We advocate for the adoption of holistic development approaches that consider not only economic gains but also social justice and environmental sustainability. We therefore promote investing renewable energy sources, promote energy efficiency, and rethinking our consumption patterns.
5. Climate Justice
We stand for climate justice, recognizing that those who are most affected by climate change impacts like us are often the least responsible for causing them. We call for the fair distribution of climate risks and benefits, and for the recognition of the rights of the most vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, women, youth, and marginalized communities.
6. Partnerships and Collaboration
We encourage partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders – governments, civil society, academia, private sector, and international organizations – to ensure that decisions about large-scale
infrastructure projects are made in a transparent, inclusive, and accountable manner.
7. Demand for Action
Lastly, we demand urgent action from all actors to address the impacts of the Lom Pangar dam and to empower affected communities. We call on the government and relevant institutions to conduct fair
and comprehensive impact assessments, to provide adequate compensation for those affected, and to invest in community-led resilience measures.
Promote agroecology for community resilience to climate change now! It enhances biodiversity, conserves resources, and strengthens food security. Act to support sustainable agriculture and build resilient communities.
Demand immediate action to cut off fossil fuels! Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources to combat climate change. It’s time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our planet, and secure a sustainable future for all.
Demand climate financing for the least responsible for the climate impacts. Support vulnerable communities in climate mitigation and adaptation, and ensure fairness and equity in funding for a sustainable future.
In conclusion, we, the Africa People fighting for climate justice, declare our commitment to these principles and pledge to work together for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future.
