Lesotho: MPs to participate in parliamentarian climate change conference

The Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) will engage a Member of Parliament at a conference under the theme 'Climate Change' to be held in Denmark in December.

In an interview, Climate Change Economist of International Institute for Environment and Development, Mr. Tom Birch, who is currently in Lesotho said the objective of involving parliamentarians at the conference is to afford them opportunity to express their views regarding the global climate change.

He said discussions and negotiations will be tabled out as a form of a regime in guiding to reduce pollution, adding that climate change is a life threatening issue for the survival of the countries, noting the need for all sectors at senior level to take part.

Meanwhile, Project Officer at Association of Western European Parliamentarians Against Apartheid (AWEPA), also part of the visiting delegation, Mr. Frank Kayitare said AWEPA has proposed a programme for the piloting countries to help raise awareness regarding the issue of climate change.

He added that the initiative will have a huge African Parliamentarian impact, hence the reason Lesotho is included.

According to LMS Director, Mr. Ts'eliso Sekoli, the role of parliamentarians will be to exchange ideas and other deliberations where major decisions will be made.

Mr. Sekoli said the participation needs all inclusive approach, where participants are expected to air their views concerning weather and climate changes, whilst also contributing towards future development of their respective countries.

He added that the government has not yet decided upon an MP to represent Lesotho, adding that negotiations are underway.

Also expected to attend the conference include government officials from Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland.

LMS is the government arm dealing with weather affairs, climate and the atmosphere. It is mandated to coordinate national effort to adapt the changing climate, while also protecting the atmospheric environment over the territory of Lesotho.