French Gov’t Committed to Support Implementation of Ethiopia’s Low Emission Dev’t Strategy: Ambassador

The French government is committed to be partner of the Ethiopian government for the implementation of the Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rémi Maréchaux said.

It is to be recalled that the government of Ethiopia officially launched Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) this week with the view to overcoming climate change related challenges.

The overarching objective of Ethiopia’s LT-LEDS strategy is to help the government of Ethiopia pursue a green growth pathway by keeping its carbon emissions target to net zero by 2050 entailing an increased climate resilience and delivery of multiple economic and social benefits.

The strategy is a key tool in bridging Ethiopia’s sustainable development and climate mitigation and adaptation objective, following a holistic long term planning approach, it is indicated.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rémi Maréchaux said we have supported the drafting of this strategy and now we intent to be partner of the Ethiopian government for the implementation of the strategy.

He added that the efforts of the Ethiopian government are very important and we are pleased and proud to be able to support the launch of this LD-LEDS strategy that was conducted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI ) with the funding of French government.

“Soon after the Paris conference on climate change and the Paris agreement, Ethiopia was one of the first countries in the world to adopt its national determined contributions strategy. It is important now to develop in detail this strategy though different scenarios and different priorities,” he said.

According to the ambassador, the priority of this study is critical regarding the continuation of the effort to reforestation, so that is one aspect and also the development of electricity for many uses to substitute other sources of energy and then improvement of the efficiency of agriculture sector.

“What is important today is just to acknowledge that Ethiopia is one of the least emission countries with a good energy mix and a lot of renewable energy. It doesn’t mean that in the future, they can be risk depending on the development strategy to see carbon dioxide emissions.”

He noted that the strategy is clear and it is important to have engagement of all for its implementation.

The strategy outlines the priorities for attracting international and private sector financing for green, low-carbon and climate-resilient projects over the near and long term.

The Ethiopian LT-LEDS development process was led by the ministry of planning and development.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), an international, intergovernmental organization championing the causes of climate change. Green growth and inclusive development provided technical assistance with the fund secured from the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD).

Ethiopia’s LT-LEDS is well aligned with the national long term development objectives and initiatives including the10 year prospective development plans of the country.

When the LT-LEDS is fully implemented, Ethiopia’s GDP will increase by 66 percent compared to the current growth in the coming 35 years.

For Ethiopia, reaching the net-zero emission targets in 2050, the total investment requirements of the LT-LEDS actions is estimated to be at least around 157 billion USD, Ministry of Finance Said.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency