We, the undersigned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who represent various networks and members in different thematic areas and geographical landscapes were involved in the Scaling Up Locally Led Climate Action (SCALE) project, through different civic consultations by the team, in a World Bank funded operation.

We want to inform and reassure the public, members, our partners, development partners, and all stakeholders that CSOs, along with our beneficiaries from the community level, have been actively involved in the planning process from the initial brainstorming of the project idea, setting priorities and areas of intervention, and then participating in the design of the new climate change initiatives, namely the SCALE project, from problem identification to project design and validation.

From the outset, CSOs and beneficiaries from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, particularly those working in the selected project thematic areas, have actively participated in discussions, strategy sessions, and planning workshops. This inclusive and collaborative process reflects our commitment to ensuring that community voices and local perspectives guide the project’s development to ensure the sustainability of the proposed intervention To further strengthen community representation, we are advancing the development of a CSO Engagement Framework within the SCALE project. This framework is instrumental in ensuring continuous and meaningful participation of CSOs throughout the project’s lifecycle. The framework will:

1) To strengthen local community capacity in identifying and implementing priority locally led climate resilience projects.

2) To support the development and operationalization of effective Grievance Response Mechanisms (GRMs) under the SCALE program, enabling communities to report concerns and monitor program implementation with transparency and responsiveness.

3) To promote accountability, transparency, and knowledge-sharing in the management and utilization of SCALE program funds, thereby advancing participatory governance throughout the program’s implementation.

4) To revitalize and integrate locally adopted environmental and social systems that support the implementation of locally led climate actions and resilience strategies.

5) To enhance strategic partnerships, improve coordination, and expand networks to increase the effectiveness, scalability, and long-term sustainability of the SCALE program

Having included this framework in the project ensures that community perspectives and needs remain at the forefront throughout implementation, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and inclusive governance. As CSOs, we remain committed to ongoing monitoring, community engagement, and advocating for transparent practices during the project implementation. We are dedicated to building a project framework that balances environmental sustainability with social justice. Our emphasis on locally led initiatives is rooted in the belief that those most affected by climate change must be at the forefront of crafting solutions. This principle guides our work and ensures that communities are actively involved in every phase of the project.

Our call to all partners, including government agencies and funding bodies, to maintain open communication channels and respect the principles of local leadership and community-driven consultation. Through a united and transparent approach, we can ensure that the climate action projects genuinely benefit the communities it is designed to support.

Signed 1) Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN Tanzania) 2) Tanzania People & Wildlife 3) The Nature Aid 4) Tanzania Natural Resource Forum - TNRF 5) Community Support Initiative Tanzania (COSITA) 6) Pemba Child Rights, Environment and Malaria Control Organization (PECREMACO) 7) Jumuiya ya Maendeleo ya Elimu kwa Watoto Pemba 8) Pemba Youth Advancement (PEYA) 9) Zanzibar Climate Change Alliance (ZACCA) 10) Peace Life for Persons with Disability Foundation (PLPDF) 11) Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service (TCRS) 12) Legal Services Facility (LSF) 13) SALIOTA 14) Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) 15) EnviroCare 16) Aqua Farms Organization (AFO) 17) Sazani Trust 18) Zanzibar Fighting Against Youth Challenge Organization 19) Zanzibar Environment Development and Records 20) Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) 21) TATEDO-SESO 22) Tanzania Youth Organizations Coalition on Climate Change (TYOCCC) 23) African Youth Pastoralist Initiative (AYPI)