The African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC) has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing grassroots climate justice at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
At this year’s global summit, ACCRCC successfully secured recognition for pastoralist governance systems, particularly the “mom” dialogue mechanism used across the Kenya–Uganda border and other parts of eastern Africa. This traditional system—representing more than 50 million pastoralists—was spotlighted as a vital community-driven approach to climate adaptation and conflict management, aligning closely with the principles of global climate diplomacy.
“Our communities are not just victims of climate change; they are innovators, custodians of knowledge, and rightful actors in shaping global climate policy,” said Henry Neondo, Policy Advocacy and Influencing Advisor at ACCRCC, during the Mandated Dialogues on Community Inclusion.
Pastoralist communities across the continent—from Uganda to Djibouti—continue to grapple with climate-induced violence and policy gaps that fail to address their unique realities. Through its active participation in the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) and partnerships with institutions such as the European Union, ACCRCC played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around Decision 14/CP.29, which strengthens the inclusion of local communities in all UNFCCC processes.
EU representative Geert Freema underscored the importance of ensuring respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in climate policy frameworks. He called for transparent, inclusive, and constructive engagement, while also urging the UNFCCC to distinguish between indigenous peoples and local communities to ensure equitable recognition of both.
Delegates at COP30 pushed for the formal recognition of the “mom” pastoralist governance model in adaptation dialogues, the inclusion of grassroots leaders in Facilitative Working Group (FWG) discussions, and the direct channeling of climate finance to local governance structures. Participants also emphasized the need to elevate local communities as rights and knowledge holders, rather than mere beneficiaries of climate action.
“Pastoralists do not need to be made resilient. They already practice resilience daily—relationally and collectively,” said Simon Longoli, a leader among Uganda’s Karamoja Herders. “Let the UNFCCC send a new kind of message—one that travels both ways, from crowds to the COP and from the COP to the crowds, from observation to co-design, from policy for pastoralists to policy with pastoralists.”
The Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP)—established at COP21 in Paris (2015)—was designed to foster the exchange of experiences and best practices on climate mitigation and adaptation in a holistic and integrated way. Subsequent COP and CMA decisions have further strengthened this recognition.
During Climate Week in Ethiopia, community representatives echoed similar sentiments, sharing stories of how reciprocity and shared stewardship have sustained livelihoods and ecosystems for generations. They emphasized that local organizations and leaders are not just project implementers but drivers of transformation, shaping resilient food systems, inclusive governance, and adaptive knowledge networks.
Looking ahead, ACCRCC plans to expand its continental networks of local climate governance platforms, deepen engagement with national adaptation planning, and advocate for direct access to climate finance that empowers communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“Climate justice begins with inclusion. Without grassroots voices, global climate solutions remain incomplete,” reaffirmed Neondo.
With its growing influence in global climate diplomacy, ACCRCC continues to exemplify Africa’s call for climate action rooted in local wisdom, equity, and shared responsibility.
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