The Republic of Moldova joined the Diaspora 4 Climate Action (D4C) project, funded by the IOM Development Fund. Lars Johan Lönnback, IOM Moldova’s Chief of Mission, said that Moldova is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in Europe, and they believe that this joint work will create enabling conditions for all migrants and their families to benefit from new income opportunities and contribute to the transition to a green economy, IPN reports.
As part of the D4C project., the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will support the Moldovan government-led initiative ‘Diaspora Succeeds at Home’ (DAR 1+3) that links diaspora contributions to local development projects. IOM’s D4C will support local projects that promote biodiversity conservation, clean energy, circular economy, climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and green renovation. “Through this action-oriented project we will strengthen the role of diaspora, in cooperation with national and local authorities, and UN agencies in the Republic of Moldova,” Lars Johan Lönnback stated in the first project steering committee meeting with the Moldovan government officials, which was hosted by IOM.
IOM in the UK and in Moldova will work closely with the UK-based Moldovan diaspora, as well as the Diaspora Relations Bureau, Ministry of Environment and Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) in Moldova, and other national stakeholders to build stronger connections and foster diaspora contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Christa Rottensteiner, Chief of Mission of IOM in the United Kingdom, said climate change is already shaping human mobility and causing millions to leave their homes. However, migrants and diaspora communities can also be part of the solution. “The UK is home to some of the largest diaspora communities worldwide and their contribution to both their countries of origin and residence is key to accelerate climate action and address one of the greatest challenges of our time,” she added.
During the event, IOM presented their report conducted jointly with the University of Vienna on climate change and migration in Moldova. The report found that migration is of high importance for the Republic of Moldova’s overall economic and social development, and has also considerable impacts on local, the commune level. Migration’s contribution to these spheres needs to reach its full potential.
With the participation of Moldova, in addition to Bangladesh, Ghana and Jamaica, the D4C project is now implemented in four continents.
