In a bold move to confront the growing climate crisis, Guinea-Bissau has launched a groundbreaking initiative that puts children at the center of national climate resilience efforts. 

Partnering with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the country has rolled out a bi-annual climate action plan to safeguard its youngest citizens from the escalating impacts of climate change.

With over 460,000 children living in high-risk flood zones, the initiative signals a shift in environmental policy, one that prioritizes child protection alongside sustainable development. The $1.1 million plan, signed in the capital, Bissau, focuses on education, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable water resource management to shield children and communities from the brunt of environmental shocks.

Minister of Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Action, Viriato Cassamá, stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present danger to essential services like clean water, health, and education.

UNICEF Representative Inoussa Kabore highlighted the country’s vulnerability, noting that Guinea-Bissau is among the hardest hit by climate-related events in West Africa. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s dedication to providing technical expertise and financial backing to ensure the plan’s success.

Beyond infrastructure and emergency response, the plan seeks to spark a culture of environmental awareness, especially among the youth. Through climate education and community involvement, officials hope to cultivate a generation of climate-conscious leaders who can drive long-term change.

This climate action plan is part of Guinea-Bissau’s broader strategy to strengthen community resilience, promote sustainable development, and uphold children’s rights amid one of the greatest global challenges of our time.