As part of its Climate Change Agenda, the Osun State Government has revealed its plan to plant one million trees with approval already given for 100,000 in the first phase to control deforestation and increase the state’s forest coverage.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State with dignitaries
This is coming as the Forestry Council of Nigeria honoured Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Climate Change Ambassador due to his passionate interest and contributions to climate change actions and policies.
Governor Adeleke, who stated this on Wednesday, October 17, 2024, while hosting the national and state leadership of Forestry Council of Nigeria in his office, said the first phase of the tree planting session is to be followed by a wider programme targeting one million tree planting agenda.
The Governor noted further that approval had also been given for the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change which is ravaging the globe adding that in the case of Osun, his administration is on top of the situation.
“I must state that what your association stands for as presented by the leadership is in agreement with my policy thrust on climate change.
“This administration is not paying lip service to the issue of afforestation, hence my approval to raise one million seedlings of exotic and indigenous trees, which we will start with one hundred thousand in the first phase.
“It will interest you to know that approval has equally been given to the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change, which is ravaging the globe, but here in Osun State, I make bold to say we are on top of the situation.
“Since the activities of your association complement the functionality of the Climate Change Agenda of this administration, you can be sure of my total support of your dream and the success of your annual conference which will be memorable and positively impactful,” the Governor noted.
Speaking earlier, Dr Tajudeen Abiodun Afolabi, President, Forestry Council of Nigeria, who described Governor Adeleke as an Ambassador of Climate Change, noted that the Governor’s passion for climate change is the reason the association is bringing its next conference to Osun.
“The people’s Governor, when I came in here and saw that people’s Governor, you have done very well sir, you’ve done very well in protecting the environment, you’ve done very well in environmental sustainability of the state and by extension in Nigeria in general.
“Your passion for climate change made us decide to come and host our event in Osun.
“We will bring experts and professionals in Nigeria and beyond to come and celebrate you, celebrate your passion for climate change.
“We will be happy to work with you, we will be happy to project you to the world that this is an ambassador of climate change in Osun State and in Nigeria in general,” he stated.
Other top government functionaries at the meeting include the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye; Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, among others.
A new study released on Wednesday, October 17, 2024, by Dynamic Planet and National Geographic Pristine Seas quantifies, for the first time, the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) needed to reach the global target of protecting 30% of our ocean by 2030 (30×30) – which world leaders agreed to at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022.
coastal marine protected area
The findings reveal the stunning gap between leaders’ stated ambitions and the concrete actions that have been taken to protect the ocean. According to the study, to fill the gap between the current 8% of the global ocean under some kind of protection and 30%, the world needs to establish approximately 190,000 small MPAs in coastal regions alone, and an additional 300 large MPAs in remote, offshore areas globally by the end of 2030 to meet the target.
As the biodiversity COP16 is taking place from October 21 to November 1, 2024, and with only six years left to deliver the biodiversity targets the world agreed to, these findings are said to be a strong reality check and a call for much higher levels of ambition by governments.
“We know how to restore the ocean’s incredible power to fuel life on earth, but time is running out,” said Kristin Rechberger, CEO of Dynamic Planet and lead author of the study. “If we are to meet the global target of conserving 30% of the ocean by 2030, the absolute minimum that is required to protect people and the planet from the worst impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising food insecurity, 85 MPAs would need to be created daily over six years starting in 2025.”
Currently, only 8.2% of the ocean is in some form of protection – and only 3% is highly protected from damaging activities. An overwhelming body of peer-reviewed research shows that MPAs that ban fishing are the most effective mechanism to replenish marine life and deliver countless benefits to people, the economy and the climate.
Furthermore, since most biodiversity and human activities are concentrated in nearshore areas, fully or highly protected coastal MPAs are particularly important. These reserves deliver numerous benefits: they restore marine life inside their boundaries, enhance food security, foster climate resilience, support jobs, provide economic benefits and improve human health in their vicinity.
Using the World Database on Protected Areas, the authors estimated the portion of each country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (12-200 nautical miles) and territorial sea (0-12 nautical miles) currently under protection. Then, assuming an equal protection target for both, they calculated the area needed to reach the 30% target in each zone.
They found that achieving the 30% target will demand significant contributions from countries with extensive coastlines and large EEZs, such as Indonesia, Canada, Russia and the United States, with most MPA needs in East Asia and the Pacific (102 large MPAs, 75,000 small MPAs), followed by Europe, southern Asia and the Coral Triangle (65 large MPAs, 33,000 small MPAs).
“Our analysis, which covers over 13,000 MPAs worldwide, quickly revealed how far behind the world really is,” said Juan Mayorga, a co-author of the study and marine data scientist at National Geographic Pristine Seas. “The exact number of additional MPAs needed depends on their size and the standards for what counts as truly protected, but the scale of the challenge is undeniable.”
The study found that nations like Australia, Chile, France and the United Kingdom have already surpassed the 30% protection threshold in their EEZs, even though for France and the U.K. this has been accomplished in highly protected MPAs in their overseas territories, not in their mainland waters. In addition, the authors highlight that many existing MPAs are not effective. For instance, across the European Union, more than 80% of existing MPAs lack proper management and offer minimal or no protection from damaging human activities.
“The pace of implementation of marine protected areas is totally inadequate for what the world needs,” said Enric Sala, co-author of the study and founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas. “We’ve had too many conferences full of speeches and good intentions; now we need leadership and real action. Without more effective protection now, the ocean won’t be able to continue providing for us, especially for coastal communities in the Global South who are already suffering from overfishing and global warming.”
A New Pathway to Scale MPAs
While the benefits of coastal MPAs for nature and people are well-documented, the authors warn that establishment has been far too slow to meet the 30×30 target. Furthermore, most countries have yet to detail a roadmap to achieve the global 30×30 target. The study identifies three main roadblocks hindering this progress and proposes solutions to put forward a new model for implementing and managing coastal MPAs that enables fast replication, efficient management and sustainable financing.
In most coastal countries, MPAs are implemented and managed by government agencies who tend to view MPAs as a financial burden, traditionally relying on philanthropy and government funding. However, research has shown that highly protected coastal MPAs are good for business, extensively benefiting coastal marine tourism and fishing. Evidence suggests that the combined economic benefits of coastal MPAs through improved tourism, fisheries and other ecosystem services often outweigh the costs of their creation and maintenance as early as year two after protection, with every $1 invested in an MPA generating $10 in economic output.
The study, therefore, proposes a new model to scale coastal ocean protection where coastal MPAs are implemented as a private business, managed by a joint venture of shareholders, including fishers and tourism operators. This locally led, business-oriented model, the authors argue, would significantly enable the replication and scaling of coastal MPAs that is needed to achieve the global 30×30 target in territorial seas.
“Successful examples of profitable coastal MPAs from around the world such as the Chumbe Island Coral Park in Tanzania, and the Misool Marine Reserve in Indonesia, prove that reviving the ocean is also good business,” Rechberger added. “Coastal MPAs are also excellent social enterprises and generate massive benefits for frontline communities.”
“Without a shift in the antiquated conservation model where initiatives are led by slow-moving governments, there is no hope in protecting our planet from the disastrous impacts of a dying ocean. The time for national governments to hand over power to local governments is now, before it’s too late,” Rechberger continued.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off construction of the 20KM Obajana-Uro-Aku rural road linking parts of Lokoja and Adavi local government areas.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo (second left)
The project is part of interventions by the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) supported by the World Bank Group and other stakeholders in the agricultural development value chain and it is the first phase of the over 65KM network of rural roads in the state intended create access to farms, farming communities and markets to ensure food security in the state.
Governor Ododo, who performed the flag-off at a ceremony in Apata near Obajana, emphasised the pivotal role of rural roads in the development agenda of his administration, adding that the rural roads will not only enhance transportation but also serve as catalyst for rural economic growth and food security in the state.
He noted that the roads would also provide access and connectivity to farmers and traders as part of his administration’s broader strategy to enhance rural development and bring governance closer to people in local communities.
While appealing to benefiting communities to take ownership of the project, Governor Ododo gave a stern warning to contractors handling the project not to divert project funds, urging them to demonstrate high level of integrity and professionalism in project delivery.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Abdulmutalib Mohammed said the project is meant to benefit farmers especially by reducing cost of transportation and accessibility for both farmers and traders in the state.
In his remarks, the National Co-ordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Bodinga represented by Mrs. Joy Amadi commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to rural development which she noted would enhance connectivity and access to markets, social services and opportunities that were previously out of reach by rural dwellers.
Similarly, the State Coordinator of the project, Sheidu Obansa, says the network of rural roads will expose the communities to opportunities and promote agricultural development in the state.
Speaking on the development, the Olu of Oworo, Muhammed Adoga Baiyerohi, who commended Governor Ododo on the road project, noted that the project will enhance agricultural development and will also reduce vehicular traffic along Obajana road.
Other traditional rulers who spoke on the development commended Governor Ododo for the initiative to help rural dwellers who are mostly farmers and traders in the state.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with support from the Wildlife Justice Commission, successfully conducted two major operations on August 8, 2024, resulting in the combined seizure of over 9.4 tonnes of pangolin scales and arrests of four suspects.
Stockpiled pangolin scales
These operations, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission, mark a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks in Nigeria.
In an operation in Ogun State, NCS officers acted on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission and raided a warehouse, uncovering 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales in what is said to be the largest seizure ever achieved in a Wildlife Justice Commission-supported operation. Two suspects believed to be caretakers of the stockpile were arrested during the raid.
It is believed to the largest pangolin scale seizure globally since January 2020 and the third largest in Nigeria’s history.
In a separate operation in Kaduna State, NCS raided another warehouse, also guided by Wildlife Justice Commission intelligence, leading to the seizure of 2.294 tonnes of pangolin scales and the arrest of two suspects alleged to be the owner and the supplier of the stockpile.
The combined value of the goods in these two seizures is estimated to be $175,000 at the wholesale trade level in Nigeria, and over $1.7 million at the Asian end of the supply chain.
“The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates NCS on these landmark seizures, which importantly occurred before the goods could be shipped out of Nigeria. This swift and proactive result represents a significant financial loss to the two criminal networks behind these stockpiles and will cause immediate disruption to the wildlife trafficking landscape in Nigeria. This result highlights the critical importance of intelligence sharing and international cooperation in our collective fight against wildlife crime,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Since the commencement of the NCS-Wildlife Justice Commission partnership in July 2021, the collaboration has led to the arrest of 34 suspects and the seizure of 19.4 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory. To date, 12 convictions have been secured, including that of a high-ranking Vietnamese wildlife trafficker, his two key associates, and two principal shipping facilitators for Lagos-based organised crime networks.
According to the Wildlife Justice Commission, the impact of the partnership has been profound, significantly disrupting Lagos-based criminal networks involved in trafficking ivory and pangolin scales in Nigeria, leading to the displacement of trafficking to other parts of Nigeria and to other countries, and establishing wildlife trafficking as an increasingly high-risk criminal activity within Nigeria.
“The two seizures in Ogun and Kaduna underscore the scale of the ongoing illegal trade in pangolins and their parts. Pangolins are highly prized for their meat and unique scales, particularly in China and Vietnam, where the scales are used in traditional medicine. All eight pangolin species are protected under international law, and three species are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Overexploitation for illegal trade represents the greatest threat to all pangolin species,” submitted the group, which has a mission is to disrupt and help dismantle organised crime networks trafficking in wildlife, timber and fish.
The IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC), has expressed commitment to ensuring that Lagos State is transited into gas economy for affordable, sustainable and secure energy sources.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC), Mrs. Doyin Akinyanju
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IOGC, Mrs. Doyin Akinyanju, who stated this in an interview in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, 2024, said this was aimed at providing an alternative source of fuel and alleviating the effects of petrol subsidy removal on the people of the state.
“We have already done quite a lot of investments, and this is the vision of our governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to transit the state into a gas economy as quickly as possible.
“We have been doing so for the past four years. Today, we have over seven main plants where one can take his or her cylinder to convert.
“Each plant actually serves about 10 thousand people and then we have three scales where we are going to deliver three more plants before the end of this year,’’ she said.
Akinyanju stated that the company had partnered with about 22 vehicle dealers on various conversion workshops in the state.
She said that the company had also collaborated with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to validate and certify the conversion workshops.
“We have partnered with Costco, Subaru and a host of others to do the conversion.
“We procured four refueling stations four months ago and they are supposed to land in Lagos by the end of this year.
“With these, we are going to scale and start to convert Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and LASTMA buses,” she said.
According to her, the efforts will help the people of the state to begin to feel the reduced pricing of gas for cars and it will attract other people once we start rolling out,’’ she said.
Akinyanju said that recently, the company and five others entered into agreement with Midstream-Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to improve Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.
She expressed gratitude for being among the selected six companies, adding that the selection was done across the country.
“I am grateful that IOGC was among the six selected companies. I cannot take it for granted. I will ensure that the project is executed and delivered effectively and on time.
“It is about what you bring to the table; the quality and the contribution you bring to the table. Don’t be at the table if you don’t have any contribution to give.
“We know how to deliver. We deliver safely and with the highest quality; so people don’t have to worry,’’ she said.
According to her, IOGC is a Lagos State-owned company, established by law in 2013, to invest and engage in oil and gas activities in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the industry.
Akinyanju said that the company focused on ensuring energy sustainability and security along the energy value chain.
The CEO said the company had been contributing to the growth and development of the state’s economy.
She further stated that the company`s mission was to build an integrated competitive oil and gas business that would consistently deliver value for stakeholders and ensure sustained positive social impacts.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the River Benue and River Niger, following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.
River Niger
In a statement on Thursday, October 17, 2024, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points.
He noted that water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, exceeding 9 meters between October 9 and October 15.
“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high-water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed stated.
The agency also warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba Dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.
Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts to build resilience against flooding, which had become an annual challenge for many communities in Nigeria.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, hailed China’s efforts in pursuing its climate goals, highlighting the country’s rapid progress propelled by sound policies.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, addressing the 2024 ESG Global Leaders Conference in China via video link
“China remains strongly committed to its climate goals,’’ she told the 2024 ESG (environmental, social and governance) Global Leaders Conference via video link.
Georgieva said that China’s policies, including the emissions trading scheme, made reaching these goals easier while also raising revenues.
She said that the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) established by the IMF has already mobilised $46 billion in support of climate policies among IMF members.
The RST was launched in 2022 to help vulnerable countries deal with climate change and other challenges.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank China for its contribution to the RST,’’ she added.
The 2024 ESG Global Leaders Conference is being held in Shanghai, China, from Oct. 16 to 18, attracting heads of international organisations and industry leaders, as well as environmental experts.
The Lagos State Government is partnering the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for the 18th “Walk for Nature”, to promote nature conservation.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab
The 2024 edition of the ‘Walk for Nature’ is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, at a joint news conference on Wednesday, October 15, reiterated the state government’s mandate to plant one million trees in 12 months.
Wahab said the gesture was geared towards nature conservation and improving the quality of lives of Lagosians.
Wahab said the government would not focus only on tree planting but a sustainable policy that supports the mandate.
He explained that the walk aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle and improve physical fitness of the participants.
He added that the NCF had been collaborating with the state government since 2008.
According to him, the theme of the 2024 walk: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” with the slogan – Our land, our future generation restoration, is apt.
He said that theme was in tandem with the tree planting mandate of the state.
“I will like to re-emphasise to our people that greening is to conserve the environment and it is for the future.
“Hence we believe that a million trees in 12 months is not too much; it is a long target but we believe it is achievable,” Wahab said.
The commissioner said the collaboration with the NCF has been promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the state.
He said the benefits derivable from the programme include but not limited to showing concerns and raising awareness in conservation matters.
He explained that the programme over the years has continued to create awareness and sensitise Lagosians on the importance of nature conservation.
He added other benefits as promotion of biodiversity as well as increasing the environmental health of the state through reduction of vehicular emission.
Wahab said the event over the years brought about a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians on the Island.
“I, therefore, invite you all to join us and participate in this year’s exercise.
“This year’s programme will be commemorated with a 3km walk that will take off from Onikan Stadium, Onikan Lagos at 7: 15a.m.,” Wahab said.
In his remarks, the Director–General of the NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Lagos State Government had yielded a positive reorientation.
Onoja said that the collaboration enhanced the advocacy for nature conservation.
While referencing the United Nations, Onoja said that we were in the decade of eco-system restoration.
He stressed the urgency to draw peoples’ attention to the reality of environmental conservation.
He urged Lagos residents to come out enmass on Saturday to join the 3km walk.
“Everyone must know that we live in precarious times and be ready to protect nature so that nature in turn can protect human existence,” Onoja said.
Dignitaries present at the briefing included the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji.
Others were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Mahamood Adegbite, top officials from the NCF and the ministry of environment.
As the world marks World Food Day on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, young people under the aegis of the Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard (HFPYV) have urged governments at all levels to strengthen nutritious food policies, food security and access in the interest of public health.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
They lamented that governments appeared to be standing by while food corporations endanger their well-being by relentlessly targeting them with unhealthy ultra-processed foods and drinks often high in sodium and sugar, the excessive consumption of which erodes health.
In a statement signed by Afeez Adedayo Bello on behalf of its communications team, HFPYV said: “Excessive consumption of sodium, sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs) and ultra-processed foods is worsening the country’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden and dimming the prospects of Nigerian youths enjoying a healthy adulthood.
“Everywhere you turn on radio, TV and the internet, we are bombarded by adverts of these unhealthy products, disguised as healthy foods, all targeted at young people. Giant food corporations are given free rein to entice us, and sadly, many youths, unprotected by government regulations, fall prey and become addicted to these products to the detriment of their health.
“In Nigeria, life expectancy at birth is currently about 61.79 as of 2023, but many young Nigerians, unlike their forefathers, are at risk of not reaching this relatively low milestone because, among others, they are the victims of relentless exposure to harmful sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods excessively high in sodium, produced by food corporations that prioritise profits over the health of their consumers.
“These corporations are so dominant that they are gradually pushing our natural, indigenous foods to the background and even changing our food culture. For instance, many young Nigerians are no longer familiar with and cannot prepare the dishes their grandparents ate. In another instance, ultra-processed foods, such as noodles, are now the donation of choice to natural disaster victims, while unhealthy sugar-laden drinks have replaced healthy indigenous drinks at social gatherings across the length and breadth of the country.”
The group argued that NCDs already place inordinate demands on Nigeria’s healthcare system, adding that the need to reduce unhealthy food intake “is highly relevant for improved health outcomes.”
The statement further referenced the danger of tobacco smoking and related products being aggressively marketed by the industry to young Nigerians.
It said: “Alarmingly, about five million young Nigerians are said to be addicted to tobacco smoking, further exposing a critical mass of the country’s demographics to debilitating NCDs.
“Despite this, the tobacco industry is relentlessly pushing out newer forms of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, so-called herbal cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes, packaged to attract children and young people into the deadly habit of smoking or vaping.
“Apart from being an annual global observance that aims to raise awareness of the need to ensure food security and access to nutritious food for all, World Food Day also highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and food production to address global food challenges. Every Nigerian child deserves to grow up well-nourished. But for millions of children across the country, hunger is their everyday reality.
“In light of this, we urge governments at all levels to re-align food and agricultural interventions, including climate policies, so there can be increased access to nutritious foods and food systems can be more healthy, equitable and sustainable.
“Furthermore, we advocate that agriculture budgets be allocated in ways that can stimulate the production of more nutritious foods, increase their availability and reduce their costs so that healthy diets can be affordable.
“At the same time, other healthy food policies like effective SSB tax, mandatory salt limits, and effective tobacco control measures need to complement these efforts to increase their impact by creating incentives and supportive environments for healthy diets.”
More than 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford healthy diets, the Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, has said.
Director-General of FAO, Qu Dongyu
Dongyu made this known during the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony with the theme: “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future”.
“Foods” in the theme stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability and safety.
Dongyu said that malnutrition in its various forms existed in all countries and socio-economic classes.
He added that even in high-income economies, people were choosing convenient and unhealthy foods.
The FAO director-general attributed the problems to challenges in agrifood systems where nutritious and diverse foods needed for healthy diets were insufficient and unaffordable.
According to him, food security translates to food availability, accessibility and affordability.
“With 730 million people facing hunger, it is clear that there is still much work to be done, and FAO’s mandate to ensure food security for all is as valid as ever.
“This World Food Day, I am calling on all to renew their commitments to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” he said.
Dongyu said that immediate action must be taken to ensure the integrated ‘Four Betters’.
“For better production and better nutrition, governments should enable healthy diets for everyone by incentivising production and sale of more nutritious foods.
“They should also promote their consumption in a healthy way.
“For a better environment, we need to produce more with less; we need more quantity with more diverse foods with less agricultural inputs and less negative impacts on the environment.
“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he said.
Dongyu said that, for a better life, innovation such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and digital agriculture were needed.
He also said that, to support governments, the private sector would need to shift from unhealthy foods and make a greater diversity of safe and nutritious foods available, affordable and appealing.
“They need to be our allies in addressing this global challenge. Governments cannot do it alone.
“We cannot build peaceful communities without addressing hunger and malnutrition,” Dongyu said.
He said that the younger generation had a vital role to play, adding that a food secure future without malnutrition was a human right.
Dongyu called for renewal of commitments to building efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that would guarantee the right to good foods for all.
