Climate Action Hubs, climate change and Climate Just Communities programme queries: EIR release

Information requested

1. How many additional regional community climate action hubs have been created since September 2023?

2. How much has been spent from the Climate Justice Fund since September 2023?

3. What programmes have been delivered through the Scottish Governments Climate Just Communities programme to support communities across Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia?

4. Prepare for the consequences of global climate change by publishing a new Climate Change Adaptation Programme and consulting on Scotland’s first Strategy for Flood Resilience.

5. How much has been invested in Scotland’s water and sewerage services since September 2023?

6. What review of water industry policy, and assessment of how water, sewerage and drainage services can adapt to the impacts of climate change to avoid water scarcity have been undertaken since September 2023?

7. When will the final Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan be published?

8. When will Just Transition Plans for Built Environment and Construction, Land Use and Agriculture, and Transport, as well as a site Just Transition Plan for Grangemouth be published?

Response

1. How many additional regional community climate action hubs have been created since September 2023?

There are 20 climate action hubs across Scotland as per the details available here: Community climate action hubs: contact details-gov.scot (www.gov.scot)  14 have been created since September 2023 (with 4 of these being approved in September 23).

2. How much has been spent from the Climate Justice Fund since September 2023?

Programme	Amount spent since Sept 2023- March 2024 (£) [To nearest £1,000]
CJC Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda (DAI, NIRAS, SCIAF)	3,878,000
Storm Freddy Loss & Damage programme (SCIAF)	300,000
Supporting Global South women negotiators (WEDO)	88,000
Communities First Non-Economic Loss & Damage Programme	674,000
Urban Loss & Damage programme (C40)	1,000,000
Malawi Cash Transfer Programme (GiveDirectly)	1,000,000
Loss & Damage window in the Humanitarian Emergency Fund (Tearfund, Oxfam, Christian Aid, SCIAF)	1,000,000
Total	7,940,000

3. What programmes have been delivered through the Scottish Government’s Climate Just Communities programme to support communities across Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia?

CJC ZAMBIA
The Climate Just Communities (CJC) programme in Zambia completed the scoping phase between August 2023 and October 2023. Following this implementation delivery began in November 2023. The following are CJC Zambia programme achievements between August 2023 to date of FOI.

• Using a Training of Trainers (ToTs) approach to promote capacity building on best agricultural practices, Lead Farmers and extension officers at ward level across districts have gained new skills and knowledge.
• Farmer Field Schools (FFS) established to train farmers in agroecological and climate resilient agricultural practices, including organic fertilizer (compost, bokashi), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Post-Harvest Management (PHM).
• Installation of water efficient irrigation systems.
• Communities were trained in skills to develop bankable business plans for small businesses in several value chains including crafts, banana production, and goat rearing.
• Training on Village, Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• ToTs in business skills sessions conducted for 206 people across various wards.
• 3,500 tree seedlings distributed, and community members were recruited and trained to conduct planting activities.
• 60 members of Satellite Disaster Management and Mitigation Committees.
• Training in Disaster Risk Reduction and Human Wildlife Conflict.
• 25 masons trained within the communities for the construction of latrines and demonstration toilets were constructed to facilitate construction of more toilets in the future. Masons were also trained in how to construct a latrine that can be used by paraplegics.
• 40 community members trained in facilitation skills.
• 33 trained in livestock husbandry training of trainers.
• 33 trained in horticultural production.
• Inclusive Satellite Disaster Management and Mitigation Committees (SDMMCs) were formed in all 6 wards and 8 community awareness campaigns on DRR conducted.
• GEDSI training has been delivered across Community Development Partners (CDPs) and Community Management Committees (CMCs).
• An Advocacy and Communication Strategy was designed, in consultation with communities and stakeholders at national level.
• ToC workshops were held in each ward with CMC members and CDP staff to develop a more detailed vision and plan for climate justice at community level.
• Completed assessment of elephant corridors and 107 households and 2 schools selected for chilli fence intervention.

CJC Malawi
Scoping phase

• Service provider consulting with national stakeholders to justify most at-risk districts to impacts of climate change.
• Conducted a needs-based assessment (gap analysis) in the selected most at-risk districts to identify gaps in currents climate change programmes as well as to identify target communities that CJC should implement its climate change resilience interventions. 
• Conducted community engagement exercises to allow communities to prioritise their interventions.
• Established a steering group for CJC Malawi.

Interventions from November 2023 up to the date of FOI request
Disaster risk management

• VRMCs strengthened: 22 VNRMCs (Village Natural Resource Management Committees) were restructured in the Machinga district that were understaffed and did not have the necessary number of members. Members underwent training that improved their knowledge of forest management, gave them expertise in the establishment and planting of woodlots, taught them about natural regeneration management, and raised their awareness of group dynamics and leadership. 
• 12,000 tree seedlings planted: 6,000 exotic cassia tree seedlings were planted around farms, gardens, and homes. 2,000 Mtangatanga (Flat Crown/Albizia adianthifolia) and 4,000 Mbawa  (Mahogany/Khaya nyasica) trees were distributed for planting along riverbanks and catchment areas amongst 218 households.
• Anticipatory action through disaster preventive messages to communities: Interventions were initiated to raise awareness about the dangers of settling in flood-prone areas. The DRM team, including representatives from relevant ministries, developed a plan and logistics for the activity. Messages were relayed to the community via a mobile van. The DRM officers also engaged community members in discussions about disaster vulnerability and mitigation measures.
• The Participatory Vulnerability Analysis exercise: The objectives of the PVA exercise included identifying vulnerable communities, understanding local climate risks, engaging local stakeholders, developing adaptation strategies, enhancing community capacity, and promoting equity and social justice. The exercise was conducted in all the targeted eight traditional authorities of the seven districts.
• Number of DRM and resilience plans developed: In Machinga disaster management plans were developed to outline actions for the community and relevant structures during and after disasters. Members of communities were involved to maintain the operations and prepare them for learning and improving while ensuring compliance.
• Natural resources management: Community engagement meetings were undertaken with the Area Development Committee (ADC) and Village Development Committee to assess the level of functionality of VNRMCs in the impact area. 

Livelihood

• Livelihoods security: 3,670 households engaged in irrigation farming through winter cropping to secure their livelihood. A total of 136 kgs of maize seed, 930 packets (100g) of tomato seeds, 30,000 kgs NPK fertilizer and 30,000 kgs UREA fertilizer were procured and shared to the 3,670 farmer households. In May, engagement with lead farmers was initiated, with the first training focusing on conservation farming technologies in Neno District. Topics covered were; Water harvesting and soil conservation techniques, patterns, swells, box ridges, marker ridges, climate smart manure making and management, growing early maturing crops/drought tolerant crops and small livestock management specifically on non-conventional livestock on homestead.
• More sustainable irrigation: A feasibility study in Zomba and Phalombe Districts was undertaken to come up with potential sites for irrigation. 
• Fruit production promoted: 1,000 guava seedlings and 3,000 mango seedlings were distributed to 218 targeted households which were planted around their households.
• Communities on post-harvest handing: 56 lead farmers were trained in Phalombe District in  post-harvest handling practices that are essential for reducing food loss, waste, improving food security, increasing incomes, promoting sustainable agriculture, building resilience to climate change, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and enhancing food safety and quality. The 56 Lead Farmers reached out to 10 follower farmers each.
• Sustainable agricultural practices and land management: Neno District community engagement meetings took place with the ADC and Village Development Committee to assess the level of functionality of VNRMCs in the impact area, determine the capacity needs of the above structures in terms of any prior training that they have had, vacancy rates, availability of equipment for use such as nursery management equipment and current undertakings in their area.
• Promotion of early maturing and drought resistant crops: Winter cropping planning meetings were carried out in Karonga district in order to engage the farmers under winter cropping initiative to develop action plans for winter cropping programme and establishment of  groups leadership.
• Improved household economic resilience to climate shocks or disasters: Group formation and sensitisation meetings for Village Saving and Loans Groups to bring awareness approach to communities.
• Promotion of profitable value chain: Initiated livestock pass-on programme by conducting beneficiary mapping in preparation for the distribution of 135 goats and 243 chickens in Phalombe.

Loss and Damage

• Integrated Community-based psycho-social support: Facilitated an Integration of Community Based Psychosocial Support (CBPSS) in target areas. Social Welfare Officers led in supporting the designing of the appropriate counselling sessions for community members who were affected by Cyclone Freddy.
• Anticipatory action: PVA feedback sessions conducted where findings were shared to the communities to get their final inputs and ensure that the communities own the interventions. 

Resilient Schools (education)

• Schools were supported with trees for more resilience: Building on the available Disaster Risk Management clubs in 59 schools from Phalombe District (14) and Karonga District (45),19,670 tree seedlings were procured and distributed to schools. Non-functional school environmental clubs were revamped through onsite training and various engagements.
• Rehabilitated infrastructure – Culverts: In Machinga District, in TA Ngokwe, five culverts along a road have been constructed connecting over 1,164 learners to two schools around Ngokwe trading centre.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

• Rehabilitation of safe water points: The CJC partner in Machinga District started facilitating safe water provision through boreholes and distribution of chlorine. Ten boreholes, serving about 3,000 people, have been rehabilitated and are now functional.
• Establishment of water sources: In Phalombe District geological survey concluded in the 5 potential borehole drilling sites identified during community sensitisation exercise. The aim of the activity was to come up with 5 potentials borehole drilling points in TA Mnkhumba. 

CJC RWANDA
The Climate Just Communities (CJC) programme in Rwanda completed the scoping phase between August and October 2023. The following are CJC Rwanda programme achievements between August 2023 to date of FOI.

• Interventions were delivered in 3 Rwandan Districts: Karongi, Gisagara and Ngororero. 
• 181 houses were retrofitted to be more climate resilient. The selection of houses considered those most affected by climate disaster and shocks, and marginalisation.
• 1,140 kitchen gardens were established.
• 105 Ha were identified for marshland rehabilitation following the needs assessment. Information on the status of the marshlands, threats and causes of degradation, plus rehabilitation requirements were collected by local delivery partners. This was done in collaboration with sector and district agronomists and forestry officers, as well as representative community  members including women, men, youth, and representatives of farmers and people with disabilities.
• 13,350 cookstoves were distributed. Provision of improved cookstoves reduces the volume of trees cut to use as fuel, as these are energy-efficient stoves, which do not need a lot of fuel wood.
• 113 Village Savings and Loan groups were strengthened by receiving savings toolkits. Organising and training VSL groups and supporting them to engage in small-scale businesses, is providing families with an alternative off-farm livelihood other than just relying on farming. This will increase their household income, thereby improving their resilience to the material impacts of climate change.
• 573 community members and local leaders (328 M and 245 F, including 246 people with disabilities) attended Disability  Awareness Training. The selection process ensured that different categories were represented with a focus on youth, women, people with disabilities, health community workers, local leaders, social affair workers and representatives at cell and sector levels.
• Emergency and loss and damage: Cash transfers were delivered to 48 households following a landslide. Duterimbere NGO triggered this fund following rains and a landslide that destroyed 48 households (HHs). Together with the district authorities, the CJC Programme supported 204 people from 48 HHs. Support was provided through cash transfers of 120k RWF to each family for food and non-food items.
• 62 service providers (41 M, 21 F) including NGOs, governmental entities, and private sector organisations implementing the CJC Programme at community level in the districts of operations, attended a training on Disability Inclusion in February 2024.
• 5,569 hectares were identified as suitable for establishing progressive terraces and 547 hectares identified for radical terraces. Womens’ VSLA groups were formed in Gisagara and Karongi districts. The groups will be trained in molding and repairing cookstoves. One meeting held in Ngororero to facilitate women's access to information on markets.
• 594.4 Ha has been identified for forest tree species and 2185ha for agro-forest trees. Following the needs assessment, different reforestation and afforestation sites were mapped out: 685 Ha were identified for afforestation; 276 Ha of existing forest for rehabilitation and maintenance; 2,185 Ha for new agroforest trees and 675 Ha identified for fruit trees. 
• 500 Ha of existing agroforestry were identified for rehabilitation and maintenance. Site selection and tree species were identified by local delivery partners in collaboration with sector steering committees, sectors, village leaders, and representatives of farmers with the support of local delivery partner staff working in the district with technical expertise in environment and natural resources management.
• 22 potential local agro-dealers (including existing cooperatives) were identified to be supported with enabling access to market i.e. ensuring a steady supply of farm inputs and mobilising women’s groups and networks within the community to pursue inputs collectively within the Programme.
• Planning for the creation of anti-erosion ditches: Erosion-prone areas have been mapped and sites for the establishment of erosion ditches were identified in all three districts. Site identification was done in collaboration with steering committees and cells, as well as the village leaders and famers’ representatives, with support from CJC Programme staff from the districts.

4. Prepare for the consequences of global climate change by publishing a new Climate Change Adaptation Programme and consulting on Scotland’s first Strategy for Flood Resilience
It should be noted that, as this point was not phrased as a question I have interpreted it as an enquiry into the progress of the Scottish National Adaptation Program and the Flood Resilience strategy, for which I have provided details below.

On 31 January 2024, the Scottish Government published a draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29 for public consultation. This consultation closed on 24 April 2024. Responses to the consultation will be published shortly (where permission for this has been given by the respondent) alongside an analysis report. Scottish Government intent to publish a final Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29 in Autumn 2024. This Plan will address the climate change risks for Scotland identified by the latest UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. The Flood Resilience Strategy consultation is currently open, details of which can be found here : Flood resilience strategy: consultation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

5. How much has been invested in Scotland’s water and sewerage services since September 2023?

This information can be found within Scottish Water’s annual report found here: Annual Report - Scottish Water as well as within the progress reports published by the Scottish Government Investment Group here: Water industry: Scottish Government Investment Group - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). The progress reports from quarters 3 and 4 of 2023-24 are yet to be published, therefore, that information is subject to Regulation 10(4)(d) which relates to material in the course of completion. This exception suggests that material that is yet to be completed can be withheld as further work must be completed first. However, once these reports are published they can be found on the website for the Scottish Government Investment Group linked above.

6. What review of water industry policy, and assessment of how water, sewerage and drainage services can adapt to the impacts of climate change to avoid water scarcity have been undertaken since September 2023?

Across Scotland, and the world, we are increasingly being reminded that the climate crisis is not a far off threat but something that is happening now. The impacts are being felt in Scotland from flood damage to critical national infrastructure to private water supplies running dry in the summer months. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the water industry/Scottish Water to deliver the services we have come to expect. Policy development has been underway since 2022 with the view to prepare the water industry for the future and in response to the climate emergency. The includes a review of the current process for managing water resources across Scotland, how we respond to and manage drought, and how we can improve water efficiency. The Scottish Government sought the views of the public in their water, wastewater and drainage policy consultation in early 2024 and the summary response can be found here: Water, wastewater and drainage: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

7. When will the final Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan be published?

We will publish our finalised Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (ESJTP) later this Summer. Last year the Scottish Government consulted on the draft ESJTP, setting out our vision for a future net zero energy system. Over 1,500 responses were received to the consultation and independent analysis confirmed broad support for our net zero energy vision and level of ambition. The energy transition represents a huge economic opportunity for Scotland, with the potential to provide tens of thousands of good quality, sustainable, green jobs right across the country. The ESJTP will set clear ambitions for increasing Scotland’s renewable energy capacity, with a new package of measures to deliver these ambitions whilst also supporting a just transition, capturing the benefits for our people, workers, communities, and economy. It is a multi-year whole-system strategy for the transformation of our energy system and is Scotland’s first sectoral just transition plan. The ESJTP will also set out policies to support a managed transition from fossil fuels in line with the Scottish Government’s climate change goals, alongside interventions and policies in areas such as skills, investment and supply chains.

8. When will Just Transition Plans for Built Environment and Construction, Land Use and Agriculture, and Transport, as well as a site Just Transition Plan for Grangemouth be published?

We will publish a series of consultation documents to progress the next phase of co-development of Just Transition Plans for Transport and Land Use and Agriculture by the end of 2024, as well as Built Environment and Construction over the course of next year. A site-specific plan for Grangemouth will also be published in December 2024.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.