National Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) Nigeria, Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise, says only genuine political will can develop environmentally friendly technology.
Olubamise said this during an interview on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Abuja.
She noted that environmentally friendly technology would have significant impacts, add value, and sustainably enhance livelihoods.
“Any technology that is not environmentally friendly will eventually fizzle out,” she said.
The coordinator stressed the importance of developing inclusive strategies, policies, and plans that supported data collection and management, awareness creation, and advocacy.
“Policies must be designed to promote learning that reduces environmental impacts, especially among youth and women,” she said.
Olubamise also emphasised the need to enhance national and local digital education platforms and to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure.
According to her, energy-efficient infrastructure will empower communities to engage in sustainable practices and improve the management of solid, plastic, and electronic waste.
“UNDP GEF SGP strongly encourages technological ideas and solutions that address environmental challenges,” she said.
According to her, the programme discourages unsustainable traditional practices that no longer serve environmental goals.
“For instance, traditional tree planting ceremonies have often proven unsustainable, as there is usually no follow-up to ensure the survival of the trees,” Olubamise explained.
She advised the adoption of sustainable, technology-driven tree-planting initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring natural ecosystems.
Olubamise noted that the UNDP GEF SGP was supporting the use of technology and applications to monitor and manage plastic waste, flood, and erosion, as well as to report pollution, especially in remote areas.
By Abigael Joshua