ECOWAS Parliament seeks regional funding for climate polices

The ECOWAS Parliament has called upon member countries to enhance the implementation and funding of climate policies in a bid to combat environmental decline, population displacement and insecurity across the region. This recommendation emerged from a week-long meeting at the conclusion of the 2026 Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, which rigorously examined the implications of climate change in the region.

Speaker of the Parliament, Honourable Memounatou Ibrahima, highlighted during her closing remarks that the institution's credibility hinges on converting its resolutions into tangible actions with quantifiable effects on the populations it serves. She emphasized the importance of adhering to and assessing the impact of adopted recommendations on public policies and community initiatives.

While acknowledging the existence of existing strategies and instruments to tackle regional challenges, Ibrahima stressed the urgent need for increased funding and political commitment to implement these measures and convert them into tangible benefits for the populace. By presenting the summary of the resolution, Guinean Member of Parliament, Bademba Baldé, urged member states to fortify environmental protection laws and policies, adapt to climate change, mitigate disaster risks, and sustainably manage natural resources.

Member countries were further directed to incorporate climate resilience, conflict prevention, and sustainable natural-resource management into their development plans, public budgets, and land-use planning. Strengthening national systems for climate data collection, early warning, risk mapping, and integrating climate information into disaster preparedness and security responses were also emphasized.

Member states were encouraged to mobilize national, regional, and international resources for climate financing and bolster capacity for project preparation, feasibility studies, and financial structuring. Moreover, the Parliament called for enhanced protection and restoration of forests, mangroves, degraded land, and coastal ecosystems, along with the wider adoption of resilient agriculture, agroforestry, and improved water management.

Recommendations also sought effective mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts related to access to land, water, and pastoral resources, as well as the gradual harmonization of national legal frameworks concerning environmental protection, transhumance, natural-resource management, and climate-related disaster prevention. The adoption of credible carbon-market frameworks based on transparency, integrity, verification, and equitable benefit sharing with affected communities was proposed.

ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are to consider establishing a regional fund for climate resilience and human security. The ECOWAS Commission is expected to develop a five-year roadmap for accelerated implementation of the regional climate strategy, aiming to bolster regional early-warning, rapid-response mechanisms for climate, humanitarian, and security risks, regional risk mapping, and climate-data systems.

This resolution is to be forwarded to the ECOWAS Commission, the Council of Ministers, and the Speakers of National Assemblies of member states.