Contact
Christophe Hodder, CPS Advisor to Somalia
Email: christophe.hodder@un.org
Mailing address
UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
The Climate, Peace and Security Advisor
Somalia was among the first countries to benefit from the CSM catalytic funding to initiate the global climate security umbrella project, piloting community-level activities that link climate action to sustaining peace. In 2020, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), now the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), through generous support from Germany, appointed Christophe Hodder as the first Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) Advisor to a Political Mission globally to address this intersection and advance the goals of the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM).
The CPS advisor provides support to the UN in Somalia and to the Federal Government of Somalia in addressing the overlap of climate risks and conflict through three pillars; 1) regular analysis, 2) coordination, and 3) technical advisory. The CPS advisor also supports the development of national environmental policies and frameworks that align with international standards and the SDGs.
The CPS advisor model has led to key partnerships with FAO, IOM, UNDP and UNEP, which have been driving multiple initiatives in Somalia working to address climate, peace, and security, some of which are showcased below.
The Jowhar Offstrean Programme (JOSP)
The ongoing Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme is a multi-partner, multi-year programme designed to mitigate droughts and flooding as well as boosting agricultural production for sustained food security and climate resilience along the Shabelle River in southern Somalia.
The initiative, led by the Government of Somalia with support from FAO, UNEP, UNIDO, IOM, UN-Habitat, and World Vision International, focuses on rehabilitating critical water infrastructure, restoring ecological systems, and strengthening governance to manage climate risks and support sustainable livelihoods.
The Deegan Bile Projects
The Deegan Bile Projects were launched to address climate-induced displacements and foster peace and stability in Galmudug and Hirshabelle State. The initiative led by IOM concluded in February 2024, and has reportedly led to enhanced food security, promoted environmental stability and facilitated access to clean water and energy.
“The fencing has protected my crops from livestock encroachment and by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, I am now able to provide for my family.”
Quote from Abdirahman Ahmed Abdulle (a farmer in Mataban)
PROSCAL
Programme for Sustainable Charcoal Reduction and Alternative Livelihoods (PROSCAL), which concluded in 2023, was designed as a comprehensive response to address of one the root causes of environmental degradation in Somalia. The Programme was built around efforts of (1) capacity building and regional cooperation, (2) Promotion of Alternative energy sources, and (3) Promoting alternative livelihoods.
The programme has helped Somali officials enforce a charcoal ban, and addressed deforestation, environmental degradation, and conflict arising from competition for scarce resources through equitable access to energy and rangeland resources.
Source: https://proscal.gov.so/?page_id=1563
UNDP Somalia Catalytic Initiative
Somalia was among the first countries to benefit from the CSM catalytic funding to initiate the global climate security umbrella project, piloting community-level activities that link climate action to sustaining peace.
UNDP and partners such as the Berghof Foundation and Save the Children have developed action plans aiming at tackling climate-related security risks, following a consultative process. A group of master trainers from the community were organized into an Insider Peacebuilders Network and trained on climate change's effects on livelihoods and conflicts. These members then organized discussions with the larger community across age groups, gender, and professions, collecting insights on how climate change exacerbates local conflicts and threats to livelihoods.
Based on these consultations, community-based climate security action plans were developed and subsequently validated by the communities. These plans, which are tailored to the specific needs of regions, such as Beledweyne, Eyl District, and Waxada 3aad in Khada District, aim to implement initiatives designed to engage and empower internally displaced persons, returnees, excombatants, women, and youth. By promoting inclusive decision-making, mediation, and strategies for youth employment, the initiatives reduce the influence of non-state armed groups and strengthen social cohesion within communities.
Impact: In Beledweyne, community consultations helped transform water-related tensions into collective action, establishing mediation processes and improved water management that now benefit 360,000 farmers and support early warning systems. The initiative also created youth forums and elevated young Somalis’ climate, peace, and security priorities to global platforms, including the COPs. Building on efforts to strengthen women’s participation, UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change advanced gender-inclusive climate adaptation through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supported National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Readiness Project, underscoring women’s central role in driving Somalia’s recovery and resilience.
Climate Promise and GCF Readiness
The Climate Promise, led by the Secretary-General and the UNDP in collaboration with multiple agencies, has provided substantial inputs to Somalia’s third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which now includes dedicated sections on climate related security risks and on climate, conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding. It provides structured analysis and mainstreams conflict sensitivity across thematic areas. The NDC highlights the role of water scarcity in heightening local tensions and competition over resources, particularly in drought-affected areas, and notes that investments in equitable and conflict-sensitive water management will also contribute to social cohesion, stability and peacebuilding.
In parallel, Somalia is receiving support from UNDP for the development of its National Action Plans (NAP) through the Global Climate Funds (GCF) Readiness funding , which is strengthening national and state-level capacity and coordination for climate change adaptation planning. These efforts reflect a holistic approach that intertwines climate action, conflict sensitivity, and peacebuilding, while mobilizing diverse stakeholders—including youth, women, and marginalized communities—to enhance resilience and stability