Comoros

The Comoros joined the CCAC in 2023. The Comoros’ institutional framework places the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment, Tourism, and Handicrafts (MAPETA) at the core of environmental management. Under MAPETA, the General Directorate of Environment and Forest, Fisheries Resources, and Agriculture and Livestock Strategies develops and monitors the implementation of environmental policies and promotes and coordinates governmental and nongovernmental activities related to the environment. In addition, in 2018 the Government of Comoros passed Ministerial Decree n°18- 009 creating the National Committee on Climate Change (CNCC).  

In 2019, the GoC adopted a national strategic plan for long-term action: the Comoros PCE 2030. The PCE describes the focus areas and large-scale projects that will drive the structural transformation of the emerging Comorian economy. The plan is a reference document for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.  it advocates joint implementation of the SDG 2030 agenda as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Comoros has ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, as well as the Montreal Protocol and its the Kigali Amendment.  

Environmental legislation in Comoros is underpinned by the 1993 National Environmental Policy (PNE) and the 1994 Framework Law of the Environment (FLE). The FLE provides the legislative foundation for all environmental sectors, defines the general principles for the protection of the environment, and establishes an environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. The PNE was established to integrate environmental dimensions into social and economic development policies, covering resource management and strengthening sector policies. Both the FLE and the PNE address similar emerging issues, including the recommendations to:  

• Mainstream climate change into sectors  
• Increase responsibilities of municipalities in environmental management  
• Strengthen the EIA system  
• Increase focus on enforcement, for example, by establishing a forest monitoring and protection unit  
  
  The PNE includes an action plan with 10 principles deigned to mobilize actors across sectors. Those principle relevant to air pollution and climate change include developing financing for the preservation of natural resources and the environment based on the “polluter pays” principle and the sustainability of funding sources, and integrating natural capital and ecosystem services into national accounts and economic performance systems.
  
  In 2018 Comoros enshrined the right to a healthy environment in its Constitution: “All citizens have the right to a healthy and ecologically stable environment, as well as having a duty to protect and conserve it.”  

The Comoros Nationally Determined Contribution

The Comoros has declared its intention to contribute to the international efforts to combat global warming by pursuing the objective of being a carbon sink. The Comoros plans to reduce its net CO2 emissions by 23 percent and increase its net CO2 absorption by 47 percent by 2030 compared to the baseline scenario. To achieve these goals, the government is focusing on the mitigation actions with both short and medium term priorities. 

Comoros short-term priorities include:
 

• Consolidation of the electrical network.  
   
• Improvements in waste collection.  
   
• Reduction of firewood and industrial wood by promoting alternative energy sources and protecting forests. 
   
• Reduction of residential firewood usage through the use of efficient wood burners.  
   

• Promotion of organic waste compost.

   

  Comoros medium- to long-term priorities include: 

• Continuation of development projects for photovoltaic power plants.  
   
• Launch of a first geothermal sector.  
   
• Afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, and arboriculture.  
   

• Increase in effective management of protected areas.

  According to estimates in Comoros revised NDC, the country will need an about US$1.45 billion to successfully implement its NDC, comprising US$1.005 million for mitigation measures and US$445 million for adaptation measures.