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A decade of dedication to Gabon’s forest elephants

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The Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation friend of December 2024 is Stephanie Bourgeois, the Stockpile Management System technical focal point for the EPIF in Gabon, who has been working for the Gabon National Parks Agency for over 10 years. She coordinates a research programme on the forest elephant, a discreet and little-known species despite its imposing size. To better understand and protect these elephants, her team has developed an innovative approach that combines genetics, GPS collars, photographic and acoustic traps, as well as tracking carcasses and seizing ivory

Stephanie Bourgeois
Stephanie Bourgeois collecting data in the forest Photo credit: Kevin Ndong/ANPN

Tell us a little about how you grew up and where your passion for wildlife was sparked off.

I grew up near Paris, in France, far from the wilderness. My first contact with wildlife came from the documentaries and magazines that made me dream as a child. Later, it was through travelling that I really discovered the richness of the great outdoors. At a very young age, I became aware of the threats to wildlife, particularly through striking images of elephants and rhinos mutilated for their ivory or horn. My passion for elephants began with the 1989 campaign against the ivory trade. For me, they are a symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder that we can still preserve a place for wildlife in a world dominated by human activity.

In your experience of working for wildlife conservation in Gabon, what has been the highlight of your career?

The highlight of my career was setting up the ANPN’s wildlife forensic genetics laboratory, which was inaugurated in 2021 after several years of hard work. This laboratory, a first in Central Africa, uses genetics as a key tool to support criminal investigations and prosecutions related to poaching. We are working with several countries in Africa and Asia to identify the geographical origin of major seizures of elephant ivory and pangolin scales, as DNA is the only technology capable of tracing the source. Thanks to the innovative genetic techniques we have developed for forest elephants, we have pushed back the boundaries of traceability: we can now make precise matches between seized ivory and poached elephant carcasses, providing solid evidence in the fight against ivory trafficking. These advances have also made it possible to carry out the first genetic census of elephants in Gabon, an essential step in their conservation.

Is there a story you can share that gives you hope for wildlife conservation?

I immediately think of memories of peaceful encounters with forest elephants in their natural habitat. The species faces many threats, and we know that to survive, it adapts its behavior, moving around open areas at night to avoid humans. However, in certain clearings, called baïs, where the elephants come to collect mineral salts, we are still lucky enough to observe them in the middle of the day. I particularly remember an encounter with a female elephant and her baby. Despite the arrival of our group of eight people in the clearing, in the middle of the day, she saw us but remained calm and continued to draw mineral salts, without showing any sign of fleeing.

As the SMS technical focal point for Gabon, what is your opinion on the role of technology in empowering wildlife conservation at the national level?

The development of technology plays a key role in wildlife conservation in Gabon. It enables data to be collected rigorously, centralised quickly in a national database, and managed transparently and efficiently, particularly for sensitive data such as ivory stocks. SMS, for example, has considerably improved our efficiency and transparency. We also use technologies such as GPS collars and camera traps on a national scale. These tools generate essential data for studying a discreet species like the forest elephant, while producing an unprecedented amount of information. This data, which is essential for evidence-based decision-making, would not otherwise have been available.

However, technology alone is not enough. Local managers need to be trained in its use to ensure that it is truly taken on board. Simple, accessible and intuitive tools are needed so that users can understand, manipulate and exploit the data effectively. For example, we have set up an automated reporting system, based on GPS collars, to track elephant movements and adapt our conservation strategies. In this way, technology should be seen as a means of supporting informed, participatory wildlife management. It promotes long-term planning and greater transparency and strengthens the confidence of partners and local communities.

The complex issue of maintaining biodiversity in Africa and protecting the remaining wild species remains a hot topic in conservation on the continent. As a wildlife professional, what do you think are the most practical solutions?

The issue of conserving elephants in Gabon and, more broadly, biodiversity in Africa, is indeed a complex one. Gabon’s elephant population appears to be stable according to the latest national census, but this should not blind us to the fact that some areas have been seriously affected by poaching and ivory trafficking. In addition, the increase in conflicts with local communities reflects the difficulty of coexisting with this species, which is still classified as Critically Endangered. It is crucial to maintain and intensify efforts to combat poaching and ivory trafficking, but this is not enough.

It is equally essential to promote sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants. This requires local initiatives to reduce conflict, such as the introduction of crop protection measures, as well as collaboration between all stakeholders to improve planning at a regional level. The involvement of local communities in the management of wildlife and natural resources is at the heart of conservation policies in Gabon.

Scientific research also plays a central role. By gaining a better understanding of elephant behaviour, population dynamics and the impact of human activities, we can design appropriate conservation measures. There is an urgent need to understand the causes and dynamics of human-wildlife conflicts through an interdisciplinary approach combining ecology and social sciences, to propose long-term solutions. An approach based on scientific data and results is essential for making informed decisions, to guarantee a sustainable future for our ecosystems.

Do you remain optimistic about the possibility of coexistence between man and wildlife in Africa?

I remain optimistic, because man and wildlife have coexisted harmoniously for thousands of years in Africa. However, this balance has been brutally and rapidly disrupted in recent decades, mainly because of poaching and increasing human pressure on habitats. It is therefore our responsibility to find a new model of coexistence that is beneficial to both wildlife and human communities.

This coexistence is not utopian. It is essential not only for the survival of species, but also for the future of generations to come. Wildlife plays a key role in ecosystems, particularly species such as the elephant, which acts as a forest engineer. This species is essential to the functioning of the forests of the Congo Basin, the second largest tropical forest in the world. These forests play a key role in the fight against climate change and contribute to the well-being of local populations in this sub-region. Protecting forest elephants therefore means preserving a common asset that benefits all humanity.

Finally, it is important to emphasise that conservation is not at odds with human development. Approaches based on scientific data and long-term planning can make it possible to reconcile economic development and wildlife conservation, provided that the close links between wildlife, its habitat and human populations are considered.

IPBES report lists options to achieve transformative change to halt biodiversity collapse

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Deep, fundamental shifts in how people view and interact with the natural world are urgently needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and safeguard life on Earth, warns a landmark new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Anne Larigauderie
IPBES Executive Secretary, Anne Larigauderie

The IPBES “Assessment Report on the Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss and the Determinants of Transformative Change and Options for Achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity” – also known as the Transformative Change Report – builds on the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report, which found that the only way to achieve global development goals is through transformative change, and on the 2022 IPBES Values Assessment Report.

Prepared over three years by more than 100 leading experts from 42 countries from all regions of the world, the report explains what transformative change is, how it occurs, and how to accelerate it for a just and sustainable world.

“Transformative change for a just and sustainable world is urgent because there is a closing window of opportunity to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to prevent triggering the potentially irreversible decline and the projected collapse of key ecosystem functions,” said Prof. Karen O’Brien (Norway/USA), co-chair of the assessment with Prof. Arun Agrawal (India & USA) and Prof. Lucas Garibaldi (Argentina).

“Under current trends, there is a serious risk of crossing several irreversible biophysical tipping points including die-off of low altitude coral reefs, die back of the Amazon rainforest, and loss of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. Transformative change is also necessary because most previous and current approaches to conservation, which aim to reform rather than transform systems, have failed to halt or reverse the decline of nature around the world, which has serious repercussions for the global economy and human well-being,” added Profs. O’Brien, Agrawal and Garibaldi.

The cost of delaying actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and nature’s decline around the world by even a decade is estimated to be double that of acting now. Acting immediately can also unlock massive business and innovation opportunities through sustainable economic approaches, such as nature-positive economy, ecological economy and Mother-Earth centric economy. Recent estimates are that more than $10 trillion in business opportunity value could be generated and 395 million jobs could be supported globally by 2030.

Approved on Monday in Windhoek, Namibia by the IPBES Plenary, composed of the 147 Governments that are members of IPBES, the report defines transformative change as fundamental system-wide shifts in views – ways of thinking, knowing and seeing; structures – ways of organising, regulating and governing; and practices – ways of doing, behaving and relating. Current dominant configurations of views, structures and practices perpetuate and reinforce the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and nature’s decline. Transforming them is central to delivering on the global commitments for a just and sustainable world.

“Promoting and accelerating transformative change is essential to meeting the 23 action-oriented targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 and four goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 and for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, which describes a world where all life can thrive,” said Prof. Agrawal. “Transformative change is rarely the outcome of a single event, driver, or actor. It is better understood as changes that each of us can create, and multiple cascading shifts that trigger and reinforce one another, often in unexpected ways.”

The underlying causes of biodiversity loss identified by the report are the disconnection of people from nature and domination over nature and other people; the inequitable concentration of power and wealth; and the prioritization of short-term individual and material gains.

“As complex and challenging as it is to address these underlying causes of biodiversity loss, it is possible,” said Prof. Garibaldi. “History has shown us that societies can transform at immense scale – as they did during the Industrial Revolution. While that era wrought terrible environmental and human costs, it stands as proof that fundamental, system-wide change is achievable, although it occurred over a much longer period of time than is needed for current transformative change for a just and sustainable world. To meet our shared global development goals today means we need to embark on a new transformation – one that urgently conserves and restores our planet’s biodiversity rather than depleting it, while enabling everyone to prosper.”

The authors created and analysed a database of hundreds of separate case studies of initiatives around the world with transformative potential. Their analysis shows that positive outcomes for diverse economic and environmental indicators can happen in a decade or less. The analysis also demonstrates that initiatives addressing greater numbers of indirect drivers of biodiversity loss and nature’s decline, and those in which diverse actors work together, lead to more positive outcomes for societies, economies and nature.

Principles and Obstacles

The report identifies four principles to guide deliberate transformative change: equity and justice; pluralism and inclusion; respectful and reciprocal human-nature relationships; and adaptive learning and action.

Speaking about the obstacles that prevent transformative change and reinforce the status quo, Prof. O’Brien said: “The impacts of actions and resources devoted to blocking transformative change, for example through lobbying by vested interest groups or corruption, currently overshadow those devoted to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.”

The report also identifies five overarching challenges to transformative change: relations of domination over nature and people, especially those that emerged and were propagated in colonial eras and that persist over time; economic and political inequalities; inadequate policies and unfit institutions; unsustainable consumption and production patterns including individual habits and practices; as well as limited access to clean technologies and uncoordinated knowledge and innovation systems.

“The underlying causes of biodiversity loss and nature’s decline also create inequalities and injustices,” said Prof. Agrawal. “Those who have benefited most from the economic activities associated with damage to nature – in particular, wealthy actors – have more opportunities and resources to create change. Doing so while involving others in balanced decision-making processes can unleash agency as well as resources to create change.”

Fossil Fuel Treaty: The Bahamas joins bloc, Pakistan discusses equitable and just transition

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In the wake of the COP29 climate negotiations, the push for a new, complementary treaty explicitly focussed on managing an equitable phase out of fossil fuels and financing a global just transition away from the threat of coal, oil and gas production is gaining stronger momentum.

Philip Davis
The Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Philip Davis

The group of countries leading the initiative have gained the support of The Bahamas joining the bloc, while Pakistan becomes the first country in South Asia to engage with the group to understand the contours of the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, aimed at fairly winding down fossil fuel production.

The group of now 16 countries across four continents includes a coalition of small island nations from the Caribbean and the Pacific, with Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu and Tuvalu continuing to display their leadership in international climate diplomacy and is now advancing discussions to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty. 

Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan: “Finance and cooperation are necessary for addressing the energy access challenges faced by countries like Pakistan. We acknowledge the importance of advancing discussions on equitable solutions and will engage the international partners to explore different pathways in this regard. We are also joining, to analyse the pros and the cons of the proposal put forward by the 16 countries for a new international way forward – a treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel within a time bound framework, contingent on the provision of adequate financing and technology work.”

As a climate-vulnerable nation, Pakistan faces escalating impacts, from the catastrophic flooding that submerged a third of the country in 2022 to extreme heatwaves, droughts, and glacial melting. These underscore the urgent need for decisive action to tackle fossil fuels and address the climate crisis. The Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal advocates for a transition rooted in equity and justice, with wealthy nations responsible for the highest emissions transitioning first and fastest while offering finance and technical support for developing and climate-vulnerable countries to transition away from fossil fuels. 

Mrs. Rochelle W. Newbold, Special Advisor on Climate Change & Environmental Matters to the Prime Minister of The Bahamas: “My country is advancing efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the transition will require infrastructural changes, retraining of workers, financial investments, and fit for purpose technologies that are accessible and affordable. Therefore, participating in the development of this treaty is important as it will have implications that could impact my country and my people.”

During the 79th UN General Assembly in September in New York, The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation towards a sustainable, renewable-powered future, to address the climate crisis.

He said: “The rise in global temperatures of more than 1.5°C this past year has put us in a new reality. Real effort, serious action, tangible progress – these are the only paths to sustainable solutions. We must prioritise energy solutions around sources of renewable energy. We need a renewed commitment to collective, multilateral action. The 1.5°C threshold cannot be an endpoint, but a turning point; an opportunity to reject complacency and chart a new course, one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a resolute commitment to a just and sustainable future.”

The Bahamas is among island nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The region faces some of the most severe climate impacts, such as sea level rise, more frequent and intense hurricanes, driving island nations deep into debt and hindering their governments’ abilities to provide essential services to their citizens. In 2019, the island suffered what is considered the worst climate disaster in its recorded history, Hurricane Dorian, which not only led to the widespread loss of lives but also cost the island at least $3.4 billion in loss and damage.

In line with this, The Bahamas is among small island states participating in public hearings underway at the International Court of Justice, where it has presented its arguments in relation to States’ International obligations regarding climate change and its impacts on vulnerable countries. 

This announcement follows the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Endorsing Nations recently held at COP29 in Baku, which brought together ministers and senior officials from countries spearheading the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal. Government representatives from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and observer nations from Africa, Asia, and Europe, announced they are moving to the next phase to secure a negotiating mandate for the proposed Treaty. 

Governments and organisations leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative have welcomed Pakistan and the Bahamas’ engagement.

Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia: “From Colombia, we welcome Pakistan and The Bahamas joining in the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, an initiative that aims to work in a negotiated and multilateral way, a planned process, to be able to phase out and transition away from fossil fuels. Pakistan, one of the countries more affected by climate change and one of the leaders of the process to establish a Loss and Damage fund, is a key country joining this call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

“And The Bahamas, another Caribbean Island state, which are some of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the consequences of the production and consumption of fossil fuels, is also joining, being one of the first countries in the Caribbean to make this call. We welcome them and we see that we are getting stronger every day. We look forward to more countries joining us in this effort so that the transition away from fossil fuels is a just and equitable transition for all.”

Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “We welcome this climate leadership from Pakistan and The Bahamas who today have joined us in seeking to negotiate a global plan to manage and finance a fast and fair transition to a future free of fossil fuels. From small island states to major economies and fossil fuel producers, 16 nations across the Global South have now united behind the push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we call on other nations to join us in this historic effort to protect our future.”

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute: “We applaud the government of Pakistan for taking this bold step as the first South Asian country to join the nations calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. As a climate-vulnerable nation grappling with an energy crisis that has left millions without access to electricity, this move solidifies the government’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue, reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and addressing the climate crisis. The Treaty proposal offers a framework to support a fair phase out of fossil fuels, while prioritizing the provision of much needed financial and technical support from developed nations, for nations like ours to transition to clean energy.”

Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia: “Pakistan’s call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Treaty is a powerful reminder that the burden of the climate crisis should not fall on vulnerable nations. As the first South Asian country to join this initiative, Pakistan’s leadership challenges the world’s wealthiest nations to step up and take bold action to assume their responsibility in leading the efforts to end our dependence on these destructive fuels.

“This is not just about transitioning to clean energy – it is about justice, equity, and ensuring that those least responsible for the crisis are not left to bear its worst impacts. Pakistan’s leadership must inspire other nations to collaborate in developing a new global framework that guarantees a just and equitable transition for all.”

Africa Sustainability Awards: Nestle Nigeria wins Best in Food Security, Circular Economy

For the third consecutive year, Nestle Nigeria was recognised as the Best Company in Food Security at the 18th Africa Sustainability Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS).

Nestle
Delegates at the 18th Africa Sustainability Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS)

The award, according to Nestle, highlights the company’s significant contributions to responsible local sourcing, farmer capacity building, grain quality improvement, dairy value chain development and providing sustainable affordable nutrition through research and innovation.

In addition, Nestlé Nigeria received the award for Best in Circular Economy at the SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards 2024, marking a milestone as the first company in Nigeria to achieve circularity in its production value chain. This includes the incorporation of 50% recycled PET (rPET) in the packaging of its premium water brand, Nestlé Pure Life. The award also recognises Nestlé Nigeria’s achievement of 100% plastics neutrality by recovering every ton of plastic it introduces into the market for recycling.

The SERAS, Africa Sustainability Awards is the second longest-running global sustainability awards platform and the oldest in Africa. The awards panel, composed of nine expert judges with a rich background in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, follows a rigorous, independent process to identify genuine sustainability impacts.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestle Nigeria, thanked the conveners and the distinguished judges of the SERAS awards for acknowledging the organisation’s leadership in Food Security and Circular Economy.

“Winning the Best in Food Security award for the third consecutive year means a lot to us as the Good Food, Good Life Company. We remain committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to sustainable nutritious food.”

She further emphasised the importance of the Best in Circular Economy award, stating, “As articulated by our Managing Director, Wassim Elhusseini, we could not be prouder! Nestlé is the first company in Nigeria to incorporate 50% recycled PET in beverage packaging. This journey, which began in 2018, is a success story of collaboration across multiple stakeholders and teams. We celebrate every team member and partner, including ALEF Recycling and all institutions that contributed to this achievement. Let us continue to work together to inspire, innovate, and lead the way in protecting our planet for future generations.”

Nestle Nigeria was also nominated as a finalist in four SERAS categories including “Best in Gender & Equality/Women Empowerment,” recognising its impact on women’s inclusion in the agricultural value chain and distribution network through the Nestlé Rural Women Empowerment Project; “Best in Climate Action,” for its efforts in reducing carbon footprint through energy savings, water reduction, and packaging innovation; along with “Best in Food Security” and “Best in Circular Economy.”

Ken Egbas, founder of SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards, remarked, “Nestle’s impactful initiatives and unwavering dedication to sustainability have positioned the organisation among the finalists for these prestigious accolades. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work and contributions the team has made towards social and environmental sustainability in the African community.”

Nestle’s approach to sustainability is comprehensive, founded on its commitments to achieve net-zero emissions, advance regenerative agriculture at scale, enhance water stewardship, develop sustainable packaging, create opportunities for young people and foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Nestlé Nigeria says it brings these commitments to life by ensuring accessible nutrition for individuals and families, contributing to building thriving communities through youth and women empowerment, enhancing access to water and improving teaching and learning facilities in communities closest to its operations.

Oil spill causes panic in Rivers communities amid environmental, livelihoods concerns

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Communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have cried out over the recent oil spill that spread all over their shoreline on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Oil spill
Oil spill site in River State

Community sources explained that the spill is suspected to be from a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility in Bonny Island – spreading to the Oyorokoto/Agbama/Imo River and thereby impacting communities along the stretch of the river.

Another, according to the Reuters, suggests that the spill emanated from a pipeline rupture at a Shell loading terminal in Bonny.

The spill is huge as its impact is already felt over 40km from the incident site, and there are indications that, due to wave action, the spill will spread to other communities along that coastline.

It will be recalled that a similar spill occurred in Shell’s Trans Niger Pipeline line III on May 11, 2024, in Asarama community, Andoni LGA, Rivers State – polluting and contaminating the environment as well as fishing gear and destroying their means of livelihood. This is according to an AIT news report of May 23, 2024.

In a visit to the affected areas along the Oyorokoto/Agbama/Imo River, concerned stakeholders, including representatives from Andoni Host and Impacted Communities Bureau, the National Youth Council of Nigeria Andoni, amongst others, lamented their experience of the magnitude of the spill, and the immediate impacts they witnessed.

They noted that the oil spill has damaged fishing nets, boats, and other equipment, rendering them unusable. The oil spill has contaminated the waterways, making it impossible for fishermen to engage in their daily livelihood. The oil spill has caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of mangroves, fish habitats, and other marine life.

They urged the polluting company to quickly contain the spill to avoid further destruction and carry out cleanup and remediation as well as provide adequate compensation to the impacted community people.

According to Nnimmo Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), these frequent spills are the harsh realities of community folks in the Niger Delta, adding that, in many cases, nothing is done as the communities are left to suffer.

He said: “Most of the pipelines that crisscross the Niger Delta are as old as when commercial export of crude oil started in Nigeria, and a lot of these spills are coming from these old pipelines and, in some other cases, equipment failure.

“We call on all relevant agencies to beam their searchlight on these oil companies to ensure that justice is served.”

ICCDI leverages sports for climate change advocacy

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The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) is taking a significant step towards fostering a climate-smart generation across Africa. The organisation strategically leverages various sports activities to create awareness and drive advocacy regarding climate change. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of engaging communities in discussions about climate issues, particularly at the grassroots level.

ICCDI
Participants at the ICCDI “Sports for Climate Justice” event in Lagos

Recently, the Executive Director of ICCDI, Mr. Olumide Idowu, spoke about this commitment during a football competition. The event aimed to bring attention to climate change advocacy by incorporating sports, which resonates deeply with the youth and community. By utilising popular sporting events, the ICCDI hopes to reach a broader audience and encourage active participation in environmental stewardship.

The event, titled “Sports for Climate Justice,” was designed to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on the environment.

Idowu emphasised the importance of educating participants about their responsibilities towards their surroundings. By integrating climate education into sporting activities, the ICCDI aims to inspire individuals to take actionable steps in combating climate challenges.

Idowu outlined the organisation’s plan to hold this advocacy event biannually across Nigeria. He wanted to extend these initiatives beyond Lagos, highlighting the need for nationwide engagement. The ICCDI envisions a future where climate change awareness is prevalent across all states, not just in urban centres, thereby fostering collective responsibility among all citizens.

Football is the primary focus of these activities, but Idowu mentioned that other games, such as Ludo and Draft, will also be introduced over time. This diversification in sporting activities aims to attract a wider audience and increase participation among various community members. By creating opportunities for engagement through different forms of play, the ICCDI hopes to stimulate interest in climate advocacy.

Five teams participated in the event’s inaugural edition, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to climate action. The involvement of local sports teams not only brings a competitive spirit to the initiative but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility among participants. This grassroots approach is essential for promoting a culture of environmental awareness.

Mr Ayobami Okunola, representing the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, discussed the importance of a circular economy in addressing climate change challenges. He pointed out that viewing climate change through an economic lens is crucial for developing effective solutions. Integrating environmental concerns into economic strategies can lead to innovation and sustainable growth.

Okunola also highlighted the opportunities that waste management presents for athletes, suggesting that it could lead to sustainable careers post-retirement. This perspective encourages athletes and sports organisations to consider how their practices can contribute positively to the environment and create economic opportunities. The connection between sports and sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point in discussions around climate action.

Dr Tunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), noted that climate change affects all aspects of human endeavour, including sports. He emphasised that sporting activities contribute to climate change through travel and energy consumption. This acknowledgement is crucial for understanding sports’ broader environmental impact and developing strategies to mitigate these effects.

Ajayi’s insights about the reliance on fossil fuels for powering stadiums and the emissions generated from travel during sports events underline the urgent need for sustainable practices in the sports industry. The event gathered youths educated on mitigating climate change by caring for their environment, emphasising the importance of proactive engagement in the fight against climate issues. By equipping the younger generation with knowledge and tools, the ICCDI aims to cultivate a future where environmental stewardship is ingrained in everyday life.

CSOs urge Tinubu to halt divestments, seek Environmental Restoration Fund

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President Bola Tinubu has been urged to immediately halt all divestment processes until a transparent, comprehensive, and inclusive review is undertaken that addresses Shell’s and TotalEnergies’ historical environmental and social liabilities.

EDEN
Oil spill at Ogboinbiri community in Bayelsa State

The call was made by a team pf civil society organisations, community groups, and concerned citizens headed by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Monday, December 16, 2024.

While calling on Mr. President to ensure inclusive and transparent consultation with state governments and the people of the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta before any further divestment of IOC assets, the activists want Shell, TotalEnergies, and all other IOCs to be held accountable for their past and ongoing environmental damage, and ensure they fund a full cleanup and remediation programme across the Niger Delta.

They called for the creation of an Environmental Restoration Fund that is sufficiently funded to meet the full and complete costs of environmental cleanup and reparations based on credible estimates of independent international experts and contributed to by Shell, TotalEnergies, and other international oil companies and future operators to address the long-term damage caused by their operations.

While mandating full disclosure of all environmental liabilities before divestment, requiring Shell, TotalEnergies, and any future operators to publicly declare and address all damages, the campaigners want Tinubu to provide community profit-sharing opportunities for host communities as part of any divestment agreement, ensuring that the local people benefit from the oil resources they have hosted for decades.

They likewise want gas flaring cessation and decommissioning plans included in any divestment agreement, with clear timelines for ending harmful practices, even as carbon emissions related to the divested assets and proposed mitigation plans that align with Nigeria’s climate commitments should be accounted for.

The group stated: “This is a defining moment in Nigeria. We urge President Tinubu to stand with the people of the Niger Delta and uphold the values of justice, fairness, and environmental protection. By halting Shell’s, TotalEnergies’ and any other IOC divestment and demanding accountability, President Tinubu will send a powerful message that Nigeria’s sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens are paramount.

“We ask President Tinubu not to undermine Nigeria’s national interest and the oversight of democratic institutions. We stand ready to continue our advocacy but need President Tinubu to show leadership to ensure a just, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

UK sets out plan for new era of clean electricity

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UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, on Friday, December 13, 2024, set out a detailed plan for achieving the target of clean power by 2030.

Ed Miliband
UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan was on Friday published as part of the government’s aim to usher in a new era of clean electricity for the UK and deliver the “most ambitious reforms to our energy system in generations.”

In November, the independent National Energy System Operator (NESO) set out pathways to a clean power system in 2030, and confirmed it was deliverable, more secure, and could see a lower cost of electricity, and lower bills.     

The Clean Power target has been defined as “by 2030 Great Britain will generate enough clean power to meet our total annual electricity demand, backed up by unabated gas supply to be used only when essential.”

To deliver on the Action plan, the government will reform the overarching structures that underpin delivery and operation of the energy system in order to lower barriers to investment, development and deployment. This includes cleaning up the grid system by prioritising the most important projects and ending the “first-come-first served” system, speeding up decisions on planning permission by empowering planners to prioritise critical energy infrastructure, and expanding the renewable auction process to stop delays and get more projects connected.

On Thursday, government announced it is also bringing onshore wind back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England, making it easier to progress onshore farms larger than 100 MW.    

The path to 2030 set out is expected to generate an average of £40bn in energy investment per year from 2025-2030, a large proportion of which will be private investment. In turn, this will create new industries and employment opportunities, stimulating local economies.  

Miliband said, “A new era of clean electricity for our country offers a positive vision of Britain’s future with energy security, lower bills, good jobs and climate action. This can only happen with big, bold change and that is why the government is embarking on the most ambitious reforms to our energy system in generations.    

“The era of clean electricity is about harnessing the power of Britain’s natural resources so we can protect working people from the ravages of global energy markets.    

“The clean power sprint is the national security, economic security, and social justice fight of our time – and this plan gives us the tools we need to win this fight for the British people.” 

To read the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity 

Plastics: WASTE Africa, others move to curb marine pollution through community-led strategy

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According to a 2020 report by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Nigeria was identified as one of the 20 largest contributors to plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, with the country’s coastal regions and rivers, such as the Niger and Benue Rivers, serving as major conduits for plastic waste, which eventually ends up in the ocean. In this report, EnviroNews writes on the “Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution through Recycling” project, a community-driven campaign aimed at mitigating waterways contamination in Nigeria

WASTE Africa
Evacuation from a recycling cluster

Plastic pollution has become one of the most significant environmental challenges in the modern world. The advent of plastics in the mid-20th century transformed human activities and revolutionised industries by offering versatile, durable, and inexpensive materials. However, these benefits come with a negative cost, as the poor practices have led to widespread environmental concerns, particularly in the maritime environment. Approximately, it is estimated that over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, a figure that is expected to increase if current trends continue.

In Nigeria, rapid urban growth continues to increase the demand for the generation and consumption of plastics. This developing trend, because it was not anticipated nor properly planned for, has sparked up new ecological conversations, with several Nigerians worried about its implications for many cities and communities across the country that lack access to proper waste collection and disposal systems. They are also anxious about how this menace is going to be curtailed in the face of the nation’s insufficient waste management facilities.

How to address these issues, including the lack of awareness on plastics and the general public’s reckless behavioural approach towards sustainable practices, are some of the questions that must be answered to curb this environmental threat from further polluting the country’s waterways.

Significance of the programme

The attempt to respond and provide practical answers to the aforementioned concerns inspired the Initiative for the Advancement of Waste Management in Africa (WASTE Africa) to conceptualise this noble programme, which began in 2023 with the mandate of reducing marine plastic pollution in the Wupa and Usuma Rivers in the Lugbe and Gwagwalada parts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The projected is sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

While policies and technological solutions are essential to tackling marine pollution, adopting a community-led approach can play a pivotal role in effectively addressing this problem, as it promotes local action, collective responsibility, and the involvement of people who are directly impacted by or have a stake in the health of their environment.

WASTE Africa
Baking and confectionery making skill acquisition training

Key approaches and activities

Various approaches were adopted and activities carried out to guarantee the delivery of the project mandate. One of such exercises conducted is the several engagement and focused group discussions with regulatory authorities, local leaders, women, and young people to build relationships with members of the various host communities and help to identify them for empowerment programmes.

“A major goal of this project is the empowerment of women and youths with self-paced employment…,” a brief on the project report reads.

Embarking on such a life-changing exercise led to the establishment of two solar-powered recycling hubs for the residents of the communities to go and exchange their recovered materials for cash. Capacity building and awareness creation programmes for women and youths on plastic issues, recycling processes, as well as waste-to-wealth opportunities were other strategies introduced to help mobilise and create employment for these communities.

Impacts and achievements

Over 48,848 kg (48.8 tonnes) of plastic waste materials have since been recovered by numerous recyclers in the project-focused axis, with feedback from the beneficiaries who testified that the project has elevated the impact and environmental outlook of their surroundings.

A total of 645 women from 10 communities were registered and onboarded as recyclers, with 460 of them actively participating in the programme. So, far, this effort has generated N4,221,540 million (four million, two hundred and twenty-one thousand, five hundred and forty naira) for the women recyclers and created jobs for four youngsters who have been employed to oversee the operations of the recycling hubs. Additionally, over 100 women received skill acquisition training to learn skills that require minimal capital to set up a business.

WASTE Africa
Hub launch and awareness campaign

Lessons, challenges, and way forward

From the conceptualisation to the execution process, there is no doubt that this eco-driven program has contributed to the sustainability of the nation’s waterways and overall biodiversity protection. Truth be told, however, there are lessons on some of the obstacles that were faced during the enforcement period of the project that are worthy of note.

The inconsistencies in community participation, the low market value of plastic waste, and the poor communication mechanisms from cluster leaders regarding payment delays and pick-up scheduling are key findings from this venture that must be investigated immediately to urgently enhance Nigeria’s waste management systems, introduce stricter policies on plastic usage, and raise greater public awareness of environmental sustainability.

Thus, WASTE Africa’s approach to marine pollution is crucial since it draws on local expertise, encourages behaviour change, strengthens communities, and produces long-lasting solutions that are more likely to be upheld. Incorporating locals into the decision-making process allows us to “address the root causes of marine pollution but also ensure that the solutions are relevant, effective, and enduring.”

A detailed report of the project can be found at https://wasteafrica.org/project-reports/

Pollutants: Nigeria begins implementation of MRV systems to mitigate emissions

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The Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), has initiated the process of implementing Monitoring Reporting Verification(MRV)systems to mitigate emissions in Nigeria .

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)

Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General, NCCC, spoke at an Inception Workshop to Implement MRV for Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in Key Sectors on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Abuja.

MRV programmes help governments to better understand how various sectors contribute to methane and other emissions and identify the most promising mitigation opportunities.

According to Maduekwe, Nigeria as global methane champion, has identified methane as one of the greenhouse gases that should be tackled.

She said the focus was to reduce methane, a short-term lived climate pollutant, also called super pollutants.

Maduekwe said that Nigeria had identified three sectors: oil and gas, agriculture and waste as focus areas in reducing methane emissions.

“We know that if you do not measure something, you are not able to know what it is you need to do; and so, we have understood that monitoring, reporting and verification is very crucial to identifying how much methane we have been able to reduce as a country.

“So, that is why this is very important; this is the inception workshop to kick-start this project and you are very crucial stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria actually has an MRV specifically for short-lived climate pollutants.

“We all know what is happening in Rivers with the black carbon emissions; you touch things and they are black; it is affecting the health of children, adults and we are not even doing the calculation of how much methane is affecting our lives.

“So, when we talk about short-lived climate pollutants, we are talking about something that affects you as a human being; yes, we are talking about greenhouse gases that although short-lived in air but their impact is so devastating compared to carbon dioxide,” she said.

Maduekwe said Nigeria would henceforth monitor the emissions, report them and seek how to verify them.

She said that the workshop would help to draw up guidelines for methane MRV so that, at the end of 2025, Nigeria should be able know how much methane have been reduced among others.

Also speaking, Ms Catalina Etcheverry, Programme Management Officer, Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), said the coalition worked to mitigate short-lived climate pollutants including methane, hydro fluorocarbons, black carbon, as well as tropospheric ozone.

Etcheverry said the coalition supported countries that were signatories such as Nigeria in moving towards global methane reductions of at least 30 per cent by 2030.

“To limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries have to work on significant reductions both on short-lived climate pollutants as well as on carbon dioxide (CO2) across all sectors by 2030.

“Short-lived climate pollutants are actually responsible for 45 per cent of current warming but stay in the atmosphere for a much shorter period than CO2.

“This means that the reductions in short-lived climate pollutants can achieve climate benefits within less than 20 years; it also has a host of co-benefits to livelihoods to health that we should account for.

“We are very pleased that Nigeria is now working on monitoring and tracking of progress of these short-lived climate pollutants across key sectors because it is essential to transparency and determines whether Nigeria is progressing on the longer-term goals of the Paris Agreement,” she said.

Dr Jude Samuelson, Head of Environment, SDN, said the workshop being funded by CCAC, was aimed at integrating the MRV into the national framework.

Samuelson said that the project was conceptualised to support the government of Nigeria to have a robust MRV framework which was necessary for short-lived pollutants with leading gases like methane and black carbon.

“The overall objective is to support the government of Nigeria to have increased capacity to incorporate SLCPs into the national MRV framework to support accurate reporting,” he said.

By Angela Atabo

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