The Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has emerged as the President of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo
The former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers was among others who are members of the pioneer Executive Committee.
Other pioneer executive committee members of the IMPCMS are Nkanu Egbe, who is the General Secretary, and Dolapo Otegbayi as the Treasurer.
Oladipo, Egbe and Otegbeyi were endorsed for the position at the inaugural meeting of the IMPCMS on October 25, 2024, which birthed a new era of collaboration and empowerment among media professionals.
The IMPCMS was inaugurated by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The inauguration, directed by Naseerat Oyindamola Dosunmu, who led a team from the Surulere, Lagos State branch of the ministry, was a culmination of events that followed the Second Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in May 2024, convened by Taiwo Obe, the Founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic.
Before the inauguration, Dosunmu outlined the key provisions of the cooperative’s bylaws, emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
She commended the initiative, stating: “This cooperative demonstrates the power of collective action.
“It will not only empower the members, but also contribute to the growth of the media industry in Lagos State.”
Egbe, who had been coordinating events of the cooperative following its formation, provided an insightful overview of its vision, mission, and goals.
He highlighted the following key objectives: Resource Sharing: Providing access to shared tools and facilities to reduce costs and enhance production quality; Training and Development: Offering workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes to upskill members and stay abreast of industry trends; Collaborative Projects: Fostering and championing joint projects of interest to the members; Networking Opportunities: Creating a strong network of media professionals to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Dosunmu also inaugurated Oladipo, Egbe and Otegbayi to steer the affairs of the IMPCMS for the next two years, in the first instance, subject to renewal for another term of two years only.
The initial three-member executive, Dosunmu said, is expected to bring others on board, subject to the agreement of members.
In his acceptance speech, Oladipo promised to lead the cooperative to the best of his ability in fulfilling its objectives.
Against the backdrop of the just ended 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cal, Colombia, the Climate Action Network (CAN) International has acknowledged decisions on climate-biodiversity alignment and Indigenous Rights – but insists that COP16 falls short on biodiversity funding.
COP16 President Susana Mohamed at the opening ceremony, Photo credit: CBD
While stating that COP16 ended without the crucial agreements needed to finance and monitor the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), the group submitted that the failure to resolve these points poses a significant hurdle to building the much-needed trust and momentum essential for COP29, which begins next week.
Argentinian campaigner Catalina Gonda, and one of Climate Action Network’s representatives at the biodiversity talks, said: “We can’t afford any more delays. Countries must urgently pick up these discussions and finalise outstanding issues to ensure the Global Biodiversity Framework stays on track to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.”
Financing Stalemate
Countries have failed to finalise a strategy for securing US$200 billion annually for biodiversity from “all sources” by 2030 (in line with Target 19 of the KM-GBF). Deep divisions over funding mechanisms prevented progress, with some developing countries pushing for a new dedicated biodiversity fund, managed by COP itself – frustrated by governance and access issues with the current Global Environment Facility (GEF).
These disagreements were compounded by the lack of trust stemming from the failure of developed nations to deliver on their commitment to provide US$20 billion annually in international public finance by 2025.
Gonda said: “Rich nations are still dodging their financial commitments under the convention and downplaying the importance of public finance. In one room, they champion private finance as a solution to the biodiversity funding gap, but in another, they block mandatory contributions from companies profiting from genetic data.
“They’ve also resisted clear language to prevent double counting of climate and biodiversity finance. This double standard, combined with their underwhelming pledges, seriously undermines their credibility as we approach the NCQG discussions in Baku.”
While a new global fund, the “Cali Fund,” was established to support biodiversity by leveraging profit-sharing from companies that use digital sequence information (DSI) from genetic resources, contributions remain voluntary, and payment rates are only indicative.
Climate and Biodiversity Convergence
CAN welcomes COP16’s adoption of a decision to align biodiversity and climate goals across the UNFCCC and CBD. This decision marks a crucial step in linking COP16 to COP30, but sustained political momentum will be essential to ensure this does not get lost on the road from Cali to Belém.
However, the decision lacks strong language on transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing the threats of large-scale bioenergy and geo-engineering, and ensuring essential safeguards for biodiversity, human rights, and financing.
Carlos Rittl at Wildlife Conservation Society, and co-coordinator of the Climate Action Network’s Ecosystems Working Group, said: “This decision is a major milestone that opens the door to strengthen genuine cooperation across the Rio Conventions as we gear up to COP30 in Belém in 2025. Recognising these outcomes at COP29 in Azerbaijan will be essential to making meaningful progress next year and ensuring climate and biodiversity are addressed as interconnected crises.”
Indigenous Rights and Participation
In another positive outcome, CAN welcomes the establishment of a work programme under Article 8(j) and a permanent subsidiary body to ensure the full participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This move underscores the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives throughout the CBD process.
As the world converges on Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) less than 11 days away, Nigeria has yet another unique opportunity to assert its interests and priorities in the global climate discourse. With the country’s vulnerability to climate change evident, it is imperative that Nigeria’s delegation pushes a bold agenda that addresses the nation’s pressing climate needs.
Professor Daniel Musa Gwary
To signal its commitment, Nigeria has streamlined its delegation, choosing delegates essential for advancing its climate goals. The government has also introduced a Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal and reduced spending. The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), working with the European Union, has trained negotiators to build consensus and represent Nigeria’s interests effectively. These actions reflect Nigeria’s resolve to maximise its impact at COP29.
A top priority for Nigeria in Baku should be securing increased adaptation financing. While wealthier nations are primarily responsible for historic emissions, African countries, including Nigeria, suffer disproportionately from climate impacts. Notably, African nations received only 20% of global adaptation finance flows in 2021–2022, a figure far below the 45% allocated to East Asia and the Pacific region. As Nigeria faces intensifying climate impacts like rising temperatures, severe flooding, and drought, adaptation funding is vital to safeguard livelihoods and stimulate economic resilience.
In 2024, floods have affected 34 states, 217 local governments, and over a million people. Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that $142 billion is needed to build climate resilience by 2030. At COP29, Nigeria should advocate for increased financial commitments from developed countries, emphasizing the importance of grant-based funding and technology transfer. Furthermore, Nigeria’s climate response requires enhanced capacity and expertise across various sectors.
Thus, COP29 offers a crucial platform to secure commitments for technology transfer, training, and capacity-building programs that could foster homegrown climate solutions and support green job creation.
Another key focus for Nigeria is enhancing its technological capabilities to fight climate change. The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (FMSTI) has initiated a needs assessment to identify essential technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation across agriculture, transportation, and biodiversity.
However, constraints in trained manpower, suitable technology, and inadequate funding hinder progress in biodiversity conservation. By expanding partnerships with other countries and international organisations, Nigeria can address these gaps and protect its rich biodiversity. This collaboration is essential, given Nigeria’s high deforestation rate of 3.7% annually, one of the highest globally.
Food security also remains a significant concern as climate change disrupts Nigeria’s agricultural systems, which are highly dependent on rainfall. Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns have severely impacted crop yields, affecting the livelihoods of the 70% of Nigeria’s workforce involved in farming. Through climate-smart agriculture (CSA), Nigeria is working on seed improvement, hybridisation, and climate-resilient crops.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is promoting the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS), an initiative aimed at enhancing soil fertility, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29, Nigeria should seek investment in climate-smart seeds, irrigation systems, agroforestry, and land restoration technologies to address challenges like land degradation and desertification.
Nigeria’s energy sector, responsible for around 70% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, is also an area of critical focus. The government aims to produce 30% of its electricity from solar and wind power by 2030. Additionally, Nigeria has committed to the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which targets a tripling of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Nigeria has made strides in renewable energy, with initiatives such as the Renewvia and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) solar mini-grids in rural areas, and the World Bank and African Development Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). With these efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to secure additional partnerships for its energy transition at COP29.
Moreover, reducing emissions from the transportation sector is vital. The transportation industry, a significant carbon emitter, releases approximately 60 million tons of CO2 yearly, a figure expected to rise. At COP26, Nigeria pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and aims to deploy 13 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050, with 100% adoption by 2060. As a step toward this goal, Nigeria announced the roll out of 100 electric buses at COP28, an initiative that can attract further investment in clean transportation.
Borno and Lagos states are already making strides in EV adoption, with Lagos committing $260 million for 1,000 electric vehicles. Nevertheless, Nigeria needs to improve EV infrastructure to fully embrace electric mobility. At COP29, Nigeria should present its clean transport strategy to garner the necessary funding and expertise.
This year’s COP presents a pivotal moment for Nigeria and other climate-vulnerable nations to assert their priorities and gain substantial commitments from the global community. Nigeria’s delegation should be united in its efforts, with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders all working together toward shared climate goals.
Additionally, Nigeria can leverage the Nairobi Declaration to enhance its influence, using it as a blueprint to advocate for climate finance, climate justice, technology transfer, energy transition, climate-resilient agriculture, and capacity building. This approach will help Nigeria balance its development ambitions with the global climate response.
Following COP29, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) is expected to hold a post-COP29 meeting to evaluate outcomes and develop an implementation plan. This will be a critical next step in ensuring Nigeria’s commitments translate into tangible climate actions.
All the best to our delegates at COP29.
By Professor Daniel Musa Gwary is the Director for Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Maiduguri. His work focuses on climate adaptation and disaster risk management
Heirs Energies, a leading integrated energy company in Africa, announces its participation in the prestigious African Energy Week (AEW) 2024, taking place from November 4-8 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, will represent the company at this pivotal gathering of energy stakeholders across the continent and beyond.
AEW 2024, centered on the theme “Investment in African Energies: Energy Growth Through Enabling Environment”, brings together high-level government officials, industry leaders, and international investors to shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.
Osa will participate in several key sessions, including:
A fireside chat on “Navigating Nigeria’s Energy Future: Challenges, Strategies, and Opportunities in the Upstream Sector”
A panel discussion on opportunities for Nigerian independent operators
An exclusive roundtable on Africa’s green energy future, sharing Heirs Energies’ vision for African energy development.
“Heirs Energies is committed to driving sustainable energy solutions that power Africa’s growth,” said Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping a sustainable energy future, Heirs Energies reaffirms its commitment to driving progress in Africa’s energy sector.
“Our participation in African Energy Week 2024 shows our dedication to collaborating with stakeholders across the continent to unlock Africa’s vast energy potential and address global energy security challenges,” Osa stated.
The event will feature prominent attendees including heads of state, ministers of energy and petroleum resources from various African countries, global energy leaders, and executives from major international organisations.
Heirs Energies’ involvement in AEW 2024 reflects its position as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape and its commitment to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable development across the continent.
Heirs Energies Limited (formerly HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited) is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.
The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy says it will investigate the usage of $2 billion renewable energy grants to the country.
Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abass
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Victor Afam (LP-Anambra), said in a statement issued on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that the public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5, and Wednesday, Nov. 6, will cover the period from 2015 to 2024.
The rep alleged that investments meant for the development of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria had not made a commensurate impact on the energy security challenges of the country.
He said that MDAs with dealings in investment, procurement, and receipt of grants for the development of the renewable energy sector would be investigated.
Afam called on stakeholders to attend the public hearing.
“The House of Reps was alarmed that the dysfunctional electricity generation and supply system persists, contrary to the objectives behind government investments and grants aimed at developing the renewable energy sector.
“The probe of these investments is to determine the integrity of the procurement and execution processes,” he said.
Afam said that the investigation was to discourage opaqueness, promote transparency and objectivity in handling government or public resources.
He thanked the European Union and other donor agencies for their useful submissions, insights and cooperation in sharing information with the committee.
The indescribable destruction caused by the first and second world wars led many to desire an international organisation dedicated to maintaining world peace. The United Nations (UN) was therefore established on October 24, 1945, to maintain international peace and security and to achieve cooperation among nations on economic, social, and humanitarian challenges.
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria
As we commemorate the “birth” of the UN, we are reminded of its enduring legacy in promoting peace, development, and humanitarian relief across the globe. The creation of the UN, nearly eight decades ago was a pivotal moment in international history – anchored in the vision of a world united to prevent conflict, protect human rights, and ensure dignity for all. The values enshrined in the UN Charter resonate strongly in Nigeria, a nation that joined the UN on October 7, 1960, just days after gaining its independence.
Some will argue that the need for the UN has never been greater than it is today, at a time when multilateralism and interstate collaboration is under threat in an increasingly divided world. Not only is the spectre of conflict rearing its ugly head, but pandemics have also killed millions of people in the last few years. Most importantly, humankind is facing an existential challenge through climate change. If we are to survive, we will need to put our own interest aside for that of humanity and common survival.
The UN’s engagement with Nigeria has been deep and transformative, spanning development initiatives, and humanitarian responses to the challenges faced by vulnerable people. Through decades of partnership, the UN has played a central role in support of the Government of Nigeria, positively impacting the lives of millions through its wide-ranging interventions.
First, humanity is at the heart of the UN’s work in Nigeria. Across Nigeria, each region faces distinct humanitarian challenges. The UN, through its agencies, in collaboration with local and international partners, with the Nigerian Government taking the lead, has acted as a beacon of hope for those in crisis. Interventions have ranged from providing life-saving food and medical supplies, to addressing the long-term needs of displaced people, including education, and psychosocial care.
The UN supports resilience building, agricultural recovery, food security, and livelihoods in affected communities, as well as reproductive health and protection services against gender-based violence. Furthermore, the UN aids displaced people and refugees, providing shelter and basic needs, while also supporting child protection, education, health, and nutrition programmes.
In Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where conflict and displacement have left millions vulnerable, UN-coordinated humanitarian responses have been crucial. Over the past decade, at least five million people have received aid annually, courtesy of the UN and partners, ensuring their access to food, water, healthcare, and protection services.
Beyond emergency responses, the UN has continued to support Nigeria’s development. It has been pivotal in fostering sustainable development through a focus on capacity building, governance reform, and the empowerment of women and youth. Over the years, the UN has supported numerous educational and vocational programmes that have enabled thousands of Nigerians to rise above poverty and build better futures for themselves and their families.
More so, the UN has supported the implementation of projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities. Initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, and economic diversification have been particularly impactful in promoting food security and mitigating the effects of climate change. Similarly, its support for the fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking is helping protect vulnerable people and upholding human rights.
Despite these successes, the road has not been without challenges.
Conflict, displacement, food insecurity, malnutrition, natural disasters, and climate change impacts remain significant hurdles in Nigeria’s path to sustainable development.
The humanitarian crisis in the north-east persists, with violence continuing to disrupt lives and livelihoods. The northwest struggles with escalating banditry and communal clashes, displacing thousands. The north-central region faces recurrent farmer-herder conflicts, threatening food security and livelihoods. The south-west grapples with violence and kidnapping, posing risks to safety. The south-south is grappling with environmental degradation affecting both livelihoods and ecosystems. In the south-east, rising insecurity has disrupted local economies and essential services, intensifying the humanitarian needs of affected communities.
Moreover, rising inflation and the global economic downturn have compounded the struggles faced by Nigeria’s most vulnerable people.
As we celebrate the UN’s impact in Nigeria, let us remember that the journey continues.
Let all hands be on deck!
By Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria
Shell companies in Nigeria teamed up with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other stakeholders to build Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres and a digital library in Nigerian universities this year in their continuing support for education.
The engineering design studios and FCT hub at FUTO
Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and NNPC in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) launched a digital library at Niger Delta University, Amassoma in Bayelsa State in April, while an ICT centre was commissioned at the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State in July, by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) as part of the Joint Venture with NNPC, TotalEnergies and NAOC.
In the latest intervention just last week, lecturers and students at Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), applauded as SPDC, NNPC and other Joint Venture partners collaborated with NCDMB to unveil a world-class engineering design studios and ICT hub at the institution.
“This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria,” said Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, reflecting on the three facilities.
The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities and linked the students and lecturers to the global learning arena.
The facilities at FUTO include two state-of-the-art engineering design studios and a fully furnished 100-seater ICT lecture hall, equipped with computers and smartboards with dedicated power and water supplies. FUTO was selected for the project as part of the “institutional strengthening” in the catchment area of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project.
They were launched at a colourful ceremony attended by representatives of the Imo State Government and principal officers of the university.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said: “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and NAOC JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.”
Okunbor’s address at the commissioning was read by General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, in which he expressed happiness “that the collaboration of SPDC, Joint venture partners, NCDMB, and FUTO has resulted in this successful social investment project that demonstrates our commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.”
Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, called on Nigerian institutions to domesticate the advancements in AI and other technologies.
“Our AI must understand Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, and other local languages,” he said, speaking through Dr. Ama Ikuru, the Director in charge of Capacity Building.
“We must leapfrog the innovations of other nations and become a net exporter of advanced technology to achieve the lofty ideals of Nigerian content development.”
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti, said in his address which was read by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations, Mrs. Halimat Wilson: “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed. The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Welcoming guests earlier, FUTO Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti, thanked the sponsors of the project “for a landmark donation” to the university.
Shell Companies in Nigeria have been involved in education since the 1950s through scholarships and other initiatives. These efforts have resulted in the award of thousands of secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship awards, provision of educational infrastructure and establishment of sabbatical and internship programmes as well as centres of excellence in several universities.
The Director of Dams and Reservoirs Operations in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Ali Dala, has called for the construction of more dams to mitigate flood risks.
Flooding in Maiduguri
Dala made the call when he led a team of the Inter-ministerial Technical Committee on Evaluation of Dams in Nigeria to the Oyan Dam in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Dala said the visit to various dams across the country is to assess their conditions and evaluate their safety status for potential flood control.
While observing that many dams in Nigeria are aging and require maintenance and upgrades, Dala stressed the need for increased investment in dam construction and maintenance.
He also called for regular dredging of rivers to remove debris and improve their capacity to handle excess water.
“I have said it, and even the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation has mentioned it a number of times that, for us to control floods adequately in Nigeria, we need more dams.
“Nigeria currently lacks the necessary number of dams to effectively control flooding.
“Sediment builds up in reservoirs can reduce their storage capacity, hindering their ability to control floods.
“By increasing the number of dams and improving their maintenance, we can significantly reduce the impact of floods in Nigeria.
“A country like the US has at the moment 92,000 dams, China has about 98,000 dams while in Nigeria we have only 408 registered dams.
“So, I believe that by the time we also improve on the number of dams in the country, flooding would be a thing of the past or will be drastically reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
The team’s evaluation is expected to provide valuable insights into the current state of Nigeria’s dam infrastructure as well as help in informing future policy decisions related to flood control and water resource management.
For the first time, global leaders reached an agreement that recognises Afro-descendant peoples as indispensable partners in biodiversity and climate initiatives.
Women of African descent
Afro-descendats are people of African origin who live in the Americas and African Diaspora, and are descendants of enslaved americans.
Afro-descendant peoples’ roles in biodiversity preservation and ecosystem health were formally acknowledged in Article 8(j), marking a historic moment for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Afro-descendant peoples and Latin America and the Caribbean.
June Sommer, Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, said, “It is essential for people of African descent to be visible in all frameworks. We find ourselves on the periphery or invisible. We have to be at the centre of all of the processes. And unless that is done, we are leaving out a vital group of people who help to protect biodiversity.
“Women are the carriers of traditions. Women are the carriers of customs. Women are the carriers of culture. And if we are able to pass this on, even without speaking, because we are very oral people, are able to pass these things down and our children understand, then it is part of our sustainability.”
Daniel Garcés Carabalí, Ambassador of Colombia to Ghana, said, “Today’s milestone at COP16 marks an important step forward in recognising the vital role of Afro-descendant peoples in global biodiversity conservation. In Colombia alone, Afro-descendant peoples manage over 11.4 million hectares across municipalities where they have deep-rooted ties, including lands rich in biodiversity and critical for climate resilience.
“This decision underscores our commitment to inclusivity in environmental governance — an approach essential not only for Colombia but also for Ghana and the broader African continent, where similar communities are indispensable custodians of biodiversity. Together, our countries stand ready to champion this inclusive approach, building stronger, more resilient ecosystems for all.”
Maria del Rosario Mina Rojas, Ambassador of Colombia to South Africa, said, “For Colombia and South Africa alike, this recognition is deeply symbolic. Afro-descendant peoples, shaped by histories of resilience and land stewardship, are not only custodians of biodiversity but also keepers of cultural wisdom that supports ecological balance, giving to the world hope.
“By embracing their contributions, we honor their role in our environmental future and reaffirm our commitment to a governance model that reflects equity, respect and shared purpose — values both our nations have championed in overcoming legacies of exclusion. Together, Colombia and South Africa will continue to drive this inclusive approach, fostering ecosystems that are not just rich in diversity but rooted in justice.”
Esther Ojulari, Programmes Director, Baobab Centre for Innovation in Ethnic-Racial, Gender, and Environmental Justice, said, “Today’s decision is not only a win for global conservation but a powerful step forward for racial justice and reparations for Afro-descendant peoples. By formally recognizing Afro-descendants as key stakeholders, COP16 acknowledges both the historical injustices we have endured and the critical role we play in preserving biodiversity through traditional knowledge and practices.
“This inclusion in the Convention on Biological Diversity framework sets a precedent for environmental policies that honor racial justice and equity. We are hopeful that this landmark moment will drive forward initiatives that genuinely support Afro-descendant rights, land security and sustainable futures.”
Previously, official UN CBD documents only mentioned Indigenous peoples and local communities in Article 8(j) of traditional knowledge. The new decision to include Afro-descendants commits delegates to prioritise Afro-descendant land rights as integral to biodiversity conservation across Latin America and beyond.
The announcement aligns with COP16’s theme, “Peace with Nature,” highlighting that achieving the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s biodiversity by 2030 requires secure land tenure and tailored conservation efforts for Afro-descendant territories.
The summit underscored that empowering Afro-descendant peoples in environmental protection not only supports ecosystem resilience but also advances social justice.
This commitment to both land rights and tailored conservation approaches seeks to ensure sustainable development that honours the rights and contributions of Afro-descendant peoples in stewarding biologically rich landscapes.
COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity concluded on Saturday, November 2, 2024, Cali but the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative believes that, by excluding the elimination of fossil extraction from the final text of the negotiations, the event fails to confront one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and climate: the extraction and flaring of oil, gas and coal.
While the negotiations made important advances – first and foremost the recognition of indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant communities as stewards of biodiversity, the creation of the Global Coalition “Peace with Nature”, and the reaffirmation that geoengineering, a speculative technology, must not be part of the climate response – a crucial opportunity to address the common cause of the climate and biodiversity crises was missed.
Participants at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Columbia
Both crises are said to be driven by the same destructive force: the fossil fuel industry, which, as in the climate negotiations, remains the elephant in the room.
Despite efforts by Colombia, together with Fiji and other Pacific islands, as well as indigenous peoples and civil society organisations, to connect the climate and biodiversity crises and include fossil fuels in the final text, all mention of oil, gas and coal extraction was removed, severely compromising the future of nature and humanity.
Andrés Gómez, Latin America focal point for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, said: “The COP16 in Cali was supposed to be a turning point to redefine our relationship with nature. However, the omission of the urgently needed fossil phase-out in the final text has meant another missed opportunity to address the common cause of the climate and biodiversity crisis.
“Promises to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030 and civil society demands for repayment of the North’s ecological debt to the South again fail to materialise, while support for the fossil industry remains intact. We hope that the leadership that Colombia has shown with its commitment to the Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation Treaty will be endorsed by other nations at the COP 29 that is about to begin.”
Kumi Naidoo, President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, said: “Biodiversity and climate change are not abstract concepts or isolated problems; they are realities that communities defending their territories face every day, especially in the Global South, where the devastating effects of the fossil industry are felt most acutely. It is precisely the resistance and solidarity among the peoples of the South that points the way forward to protect nature.
“Our commitments will be empty promises as long as we do not end the fossil fuel era. From the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, we pledge to contact every head of state, urging them to join this effort at the upcoming COP29 in Baku. At this critical moment in history, the time for shying away from reality is over; we must tackle at the root what threatens the life and future of humanity.”
