In Mali, the mobilization of financing for environmental causes is broad and complex, reflecting the multiplicity and diversity of actors and their methods of intervention. The State, decentralized communities (with their own funds or external funding), technical and financial partners (TFPs) through the funding of programs and projects, NGOs, companies and businesses, and individuals, all participate to different degrees and in different sectors in the funding for the environment in Mali. [1]
Referring to data on state budget contributions and external funding from 2012 to 2016, from the departments in charge of the environment and water, it can be seen that internal funding has fluctuated somewhat, but remains lower than external funding, as shown in the graph below. [1]
External financing represents about 80% of the total financing acquired from 2012 to 2016. This funding is the result of multilateral and bilateral aid, the number of which is increasing in the fight against climate change. Multilateral aid comes mainly from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, IFAD, FAO, UNDP and the European Union while the main traditional bilateral partners are Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. [1]
While the external funding is an opportunity, it is also a reflection of Mali's near dependence on external assistance to protect and improve its own environment. Reversing this trend must be a central concern in order for the country to take real ownership of initiatives in this area. [1]
Key policies and governance approach
Mobilizing resources for sustainable investments is considered as a high priority for Mali in order to increase its economic development, in particular towards a climate change resilient economy.
In this regard, Mali has developed an Investment Plan for a Climate Resilient Green Economy (ERVCC) to renew its commitment to mobilize green funds to combat climate change. This investment plan will provide a means to mobilize financial resources including those from the Green Climate Fund. [2]
Successes and remaining challenges
On March 5, 2020 the government of Mali and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) organized a workshop in Bamako to formulate a new Results-Based Country Strategic Options Program (RB-COSOP) for the period of 2020 to 2024.
The RB-COSOP will determine the guiding framework of the partnership between the Government of Mali and IFAD. Its content will align with national development priorities and more specifically with sectoral policies, with particular emphasis on cross-cutting aspects of climate change, gender, nutrition and youth employment. The strategic choices of operations identified in the new RB-COSOP for Mali (2020-2024) will also contribute to the three priority development objectives of the IFAD Strategic Framework 2016-2025, namely to increase the productive capacities of poor rural populations, increase the gains and benefits of the participation of poor rural people in markets, and strengthen the environmental sustainability and climate resilience of the economic activities of poor rural people. [3]
Initiatives and Development Plans
While pursuing the efforts to end the crisis through strong actions over the interim period of 2015-2017, the Malian authorities have the opportunity to take the initiative to develop Malian national economic strategy for the medium to long term together with all the actors of society. It would identify - by capitalizing on documents that already exist at the national level but also by mobilizing the experience of other countries - the policies and reforms necessary to: accelerate structural transformation; promote more balanced territorial development; improve the skills of young people and better mobilize domestic resources and strengthen the State's governance capacities. Mali's medium-term growth trajectory and the dynamics of the sub-region are signs that an economic recovery is possible.
Goals and Ambitions
Mali is facing several challenges related to its development and is forced to priorities its expenditure, given the countries limited resources. The satisfaction of immense economic and social needs at a first glance wins the support of the public authorities to the detriment of environmental considerations, which are certainly important for a country such as Mali, confronted with numerous hazards whose long-term effects can compromise all the efforts made in terms of economic and social development. [4]
- For Mali, sustainable finance offers, in line with a green economy, opportunities for a cleaner environment, new and greener jobs and business opportunities in the environment and natural resources sectors.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer an opportunity to mobilize resources to end poverty and improve the living conditions of the population and protect the environment.
[1] Forum Environmental National (2017). GoMali, MALI – STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2017.
[2] Mali24 (2020). L’économie verte : Un Mali émergeant à l’horizon 2025?
[3] " REPUBLIQUE DU MALI, MINISTERE DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET DE REPUBLIQUE DU MALI L’ASSAINISSEMENT (2009). RAPPORT NATIONAL SUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT