The Greenpeace ship, My Esperanza, is currently on an expedition in West Africa to document the threat from overfishing to the marine environment and food security for millions of Africans depending on fish to survive
My Esperanza, the Greenpeace ship
Four fishing vessels have been arrested in Guinea Bissau waters after joint patrols by Greenpeace and the Fisheries Surveillance Department of Guinea Bissau (FISCAP) found multiple fishing infringements. The findings of the joint surveillance were presented to President José Mário Vaz on his visit to the Greenpeace Ship “My Esperanza” on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. The arrested vessels were brought to port, and the crew onboard as well as the owners of the vessels are now being investigated by local authorities for illegal transhipment at sea, failure to display readable names on the vessels, non-payment of fines and usage of illegal fishing equipment.
Pavel Klinckhamers, project leader onboard the Greenpeace ship, said: “The fact that we managed to come across such a high number of vessels breaking the law in only a few days really confirms the alarming ‘Wild-West’ situation in the waters of West Africa. Fishing companies and crews have gotten used to exploiting Guinea Bissau’s insufficiently managed waters, and our findings show that illegal operations are most likely taking place on a daily basis. We commend the commitment from the highest level of the Bissau government to curb the ongoing situation.”
On 22 March, crew and three inspectors onboard the Esperanza caught Comoros flagged Saly Reefer doing illegal transhipment with the fishing vessels Flipper 3, Flipper 4 and Flipper 5, also flying Comoros flags. Transshipment at sea has often been linked to hiding fish caught without a license. Transshipment was banned by the government of Guinea Bissau in 2015.
Shortly after the boarding and the first inspection of the Saly Reefer and Flipper 4 by Greenpeace crew and inspectors, both vessels were escorted to the port of Bissau. The ships are owned by Las Palmas based Sea Group SL, and both the owners, as well as the crew onboard the two vessels, now face legal action and a fine.
On 21 March, three Chinese flagged fishing vessels Yi Feng 8, Yi Feng 9, and Yi Feng 10 were spotted 50 nautical miles from the shore of Guinea Bissau by Greenpeace and the inspectors. The vessels had names written only in Chinese, even though all fishing vessels are required by law to carry easily recognisable names. All three vessels are owned by the same Chinese company, Dalian Zhangzidao Yi Feng Aquatic Product Company Ltd. One of the vessels, the Yi Feng 8, was arrested and sent to port, while the other two managed to escape. However, their infringements were documented well enough to ensure the owners and crew will be prosecuted.
On 24 March, Greenpeace and the inspectors spotted another Chinese vessel, the Chang Yuan Yu 05, while it was fishing off the coast of the Bijagos Archipelago. The vessel is known by local authorities, since its owners have failed to pay a fine for using illegal nets in September last year. The vessel was boarded, arrested and taken back to the port of Bissau, where it will be detained until the fine is paid.
Dr Cisse, Ocean Campaign Manager in Greenpeace Africa, said: “West Africa is the only region in the world where fish consumption is declining due to over-exploitation of resources by too many vessels and by illegal fishing operations. The repercussions of fish stock depletion on food security and economy in some of the most vulnerable countries in the world is extremely concerning and must be tackled. In West Africa, where people rely heavily on fish as one of their main sources of protein, it is a vital source of income and employment for nearly seven million people. That is why we strongly encourage West African governments to set up a regional fisheries management body.”
Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in West Africa, IUU, is estimated to reduce the number of jobs in artisanal sectors by 300,000, and from 2010 to 2016 Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, lost around $2.3 billion annually in revenues, while a minimal amount of $13 million was recovered through Monitoring, Control and Surveillance, MCS. The highest number of IUU offenses in the West African region occurred in Guinea Bissau. In 2014, Guinea Bissau authorities documented as many as eight vessels fishing illegally during just one week of patrol. However, sanctions for breaking the law at sea in Guinea Bissau are either too weak or the law is not enforced properly.
The Greenpeace ship Esperanza is currently on an expedition in West Africa to document the threat from overfishing to the marine environment and food security for millions of Africans depending on fish to survive. An expanding number of fishing operations are taking place in these rich waters, not only by foreign fleets but also by an increasing number of domestic, industrial fishing vessels. The Esperanza has already visited Cape Verde and Mauritania and now Guinea Bissau, where the joint patrol between Greenpeace and FISCAP was set up as a result of a special request from President José Mário Vaz, Guinea Bissau. The Esperanza will continue to engage in joint surveillance with local authorities in selected West African countries until the beginning of May.
Greenpeace is campaigning for the setup of a strong, regional management body in West Africa to ensure transparency, improvement of governance and positive impact on local economy and employment in all countries of the region.
The world stood in shock as US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 signed executive orders rolling back the Clean Power Plan and promoting what observers describe as outdated fossil fuels.
Donald Trump, US president
According to them, while more than 190 countries are moving forward, as they agreed in Paris, towards a clean energy future, President Trump appears to be taking America backwards “by signing executive orders that attempt to revive the dirty coal industry that has been lagging since 2010.”
They stress that grassroots movements and market forces have unleashed the clean energy revolution making it the cheaper, healthier option with the promise to generate the jobs of the future.
Reactions have trailed the landmark development, including those from members and partners of the Climate Action Network (CAN), such as former US Vice President Al Gore and former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres.
WWF’s global Climate & Energy Practice Leader, Manuel-Pulgar Vidal, said: “Hampering the US’ ability to deliver on its international climate commitments will impact the world’s climate trajectory, but it will not define its outcome.
“Our ability to achieve the promise of the Paris Agreement does not rest on the actions of one government alone. At COP22 held in Marrakech last year, French President Holland said the Paris Agreement is an ‘irreversible’ process. We agree.
“The speed and scale of meeting the climate challenge has always required global solutions from all parts of the international community. It is up to all of us to reaffirm our commitment for a clean energy future, and to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“Companies and cities are not waiting to act; neither should we. Delivering on the Paris Agreement means more jobs, fewer health problems and increased access to cheaper, cleaner electricity. We have no time to lose: momentum remains on our side and together, we are unstoppable.”
Sara Thomas, Manager, Online Advocacy, WWF: “This move by the president undercuts our ability to compete in the massive growth in demand for renewable energy around the world. Right now there are more American jobs in renewable energy and efficiency than in all fossil fuels combined.
“Not to mention that with the mounting threats of climate change, it’s clear we must continue to work to find lasting solutions rather than repealing the current US plan to meet its commitment under the Paris Agreement without providing a replacement.
“Taking bold climate action is critical to keeping global warming to well below two degrees, the level at which scientists say will head off the worst effects of climate change. It’s also critical for protecting the American people, and safeguarding our economy and our communities.”
Climate Reality: “Today, the Trump administration launched an attack on the health of American families and our environment when the president signed an executive order rolling back some of the Obama Administration’s most critical climate protections and clean energy policies.
“The president ended the current moratorium that prevents new coal leases on federal lands, which means more coal will go to power plants all over the world and more carbon pollution will go into the atmosphere. But most troubling of all, the president’s order proposes to roll back the EPA’s Clean Power Plan – a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.
“While there is no doubt these executive actions will be challenged in court, it’s clear the administration is doing everything in its power to weaken efforts to fight the climate crisis. Americans are more committed than ever to ending the climate crisis, and 65 percent favor prioritising clean energy innovations over fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the administration continues to fail to recognize that when clean energy loses, the American economy loses.”
President & CEO, World Resources Institute, Dr. Andrew Steer said: “The Trump administration is failing a test of leadership to protect Americans’ health, the environment and the economy. It’s been shown time and again that sustained economic growth and national security are intertwined with good environmental stewardship.
“In taking a sledgehammer to U.S. climate action, the administration will push the country backward, making it harder and more expensive to reduce emissions. Climate science is clear and unwavering: mounting greenhouse gas emissions are warming our planet, putting people and business in harm’s way.
“The Clean Power Plan is a flexible and commonsense approach to reduce emissions from the power sector. It’s already helping to shift markets toward clean energy, which is good for the economy and American competitiveness. The administration should not be rolling back the safeguards that protect our air from methane emissions and limits on coal leasing on public lands. The administration is also wrong to withdraw support for local communities which need to be strong and secure in the face of rising seas, extreme weather events, and other climate impacts.
“The administration is out of step with U.S. companies, investors and consumers who want clean energy that is delivering jobs and revitalising communities. Many governors and mayors will continue to embrace low-carbon solutions because it’s good for jobs, people and the planet. Republican and Democratic officials alike are committed to harnessing energy from the wind and sun because it’s good for their constituents. Hundreds of leading businesses are committed to reduce emissions and support climate action because it’s in their economic interest to do so.
“Around the globe, countries have committed to transition to a low-carbon economy that will make the world safer and more prosperous.
“Make no mistake: This Executive Order will undermine people’s health and the U.S. economy. It hands moral authority and global leadership over to others, leaving America behind.”
Oxfam America climate change manager, Heather Coleman, said: “President Trump’s reprehensible move to dismantle US progress in fighting climate change is yet another signal that this administration could not care less about the millions of vulnerable people around the world who live on the front lines of a climate crisis they did not create. These actions cater to the fossil fuel industry and corporate elites, while leaving the most vulnerable high and dry.
“Never before have the impacts of a changing climate felt so severe, with disproportionate impacts on those already living in poverty here at home and across the world. Yet with these actions, the Trump administration is choosing to abandon any claim to the US moral high ground.
“Despite the lack of leadership from the President and Congress in addressing climate change, US businesses, cities, and states are stepping up to commit to climate action and to long-term solutions that create safer, healthier communities and strong economic prosperity. Oxfam will continue to encourage equitable solutions to the climate crisis and hold sectors and government leaders accountable.”
350.org Executive Director, May Boeve, said: “This all-out attack on our climate and communities will be met with historic resistance. Trump is once again propping up the reckless fossil fuel industry while slashing any protections that put people before profits. As concern about global warming reaches a three-decade record high, there’s overwhelming support from the American people for climate action. On April 29th, we’re taking our vision and our resistance to Washington for the Peoples Climate March with people from every corner of the country who are ready to keep fighting for our future.”
ClientEarth CEO of environmental lawyers, James Thornton said: “This is a monumental and ill-considered mistake by Trump which will have a hugely detrimental impact on American citizens, on jobs and on the environment. The vast majority of Americans understand the need to protect the environment and tackle climate change, yet the Trump administration is seeking to undo the laws which all of us – around the globe – need to protect people, the planet and future generations. We must not allow progress to be turned back.”
Centre for Biological Diversity Executive Director, Kieran Suckling, said: “Trump just took his war against our climate to a terrifying new level,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity. “With these massive giveaways to the fossil fuel industry, he proves that his first loyalty is to polluters, not the American public. Anyone who values wildlife, clean air and clean water will be hurt by this plan to let dirty companies pollute our climate and exploit our beautiful public lands.”
Sierra Club Executive Director, Michael Brune, said: “Donald Trump’s executive order would let dirty power plants spew unlimited pollution into our air while ignoring the climate crisis, unraveling protections that are designed to save billions of dollars, and thousands of lives. The safeguards Donald Trump is trying to throw out protect all families in America by curbing dangerous carbon pollution and reducing other dangerous pollutants like mercury, methane, and sulfur dioxide – but unfortunately Trump would rather pad the fossil fuel industry’s profits.
“Worse, Trump’s attack ignores reality – not just the reality of the climate crisis, but the reality that the clean energy economy is rapidly growing. The best way to protect workers and the environment is to invest in growing the clean energy economy that is already outpacing fossil fuels, and ensuring no one is left behind. At a time when we can declare independence from dirty fuels by embracing clean energy, this action could only deepen our dependence on fuels that pollute our air, water and climate while making our kids sicker.
“Meanwhile, grassroots advocates have helped push coal to its lowest level in history by retiring nearly 250 plants nationwide, and cities ranging from Salt Lake City, Utah to Georgetown, Texas are committing to 100 percent clean energy. Because of strong local action to replace coal and gas with clean energy we are on track to meet the Clean Power Plan’s 2030 emissions targets as soon as next year, and clean energy growth nationwide will continue unabated.
“The good news is that the safeguards Trump wants to shred – like the Clean Power Plan – are on a strong legal footing and the public will have the chance to voice its objections as the Trump administration tries to roll them back. Trump can’t reverse our clean energy and climate progress with the stroke of a pen, and we’ll fight Trump in the courts, in the streets, and at the state and local level across America to protect the health of every community.”
Former US Vice President, Al Gore, said: “Today’s executive order, directing the Environmental Protection Agency to begin rolling back environmental protections and policies including the Clean Power Plan, is a misguided step away from a sustainable, carbon-free future for ourselves and generations to come. It is essential, not only to our planet, but also to our economic future, that the United States continues to serve as a global leader in solving the climate crisis by transitioning to clean energy, a transition that will continue to gain speed due to the increasing competitiveness of solar and wind.
No matter how discouraging this executive order may be, we must, we can, and we will solve the climate crisis. No one man or group can stop the encouraging and escalating momentum we are experiencing in the fight to protect our planet.”
Former mayor of NYC, Michael Bloomberg, said: “No matter what any elected official says, rescinding commonsense climate change regulations and popular public health protections will not revive the coal industry or put thousands of miners back to work. Market forces, including consumer preferences and technological advancement, are the primary reason for the surge in cleaner forms of energy. In fact, even without the Clean Power Plan, we are likely to hit its emissions targets ahead of schedule – because consumers, cities, and businesses will continue leading on public health and climate change even when Washington won’t.”
Former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres, said: “The action by the US to undo important domestic carbon reduction regulation in the face of the enormous momentum building globally toward a low carbon economy risks putting the country on a back-foot at a time when most Americans are looking to lead.”
“This decision will make things harder, not easier for Americans.
“That’s because trying to make fossil fuels remain competitive in the face of a booming clean renewable power sector, with the clean air and plentiful jobs it continues to generate, is going against the flow of economics.
“I don’t know anyone who wants to breathe dirty air, who wants to worry about their water source, or who wants to leave a dangerous world to their children. And because we are all united by these common desires, I am optimistic that Paris will endure, with world leadership remaining resilient in its commitments to Paris.
“We have already seen an unprecedented upsurge of concern and activism as a result of the recent geopolitical shocks, and I expect we will continue to see that from the American people in response to any proposed weakening of the protections put in place for their health and safety in the form of climate regulations.”
How can developing countries tap into climate mitigation funds from MDBs and the GCF?
Six Steps to Tap Multilateral Climate Mitigation Finance. Source: Ecofys (2017)
The clock is ticking and the world needs a rapid curb of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to avoid surpassing the 2°C threshold. Due to the ratification of the Paris Agreement, countries face the demanding task of implementing policies to decarbonise their economies. The challenge is daunting, especially for developing countries, because governments need to shift their development pathways to net zero emissions before the end of the century. At the same time, they need to ensure that this shift does not hamper economic prosperity. The right policies and regulations need to be in place to mark the path to achieve these two goals. With clear policies and regulations, stakeholders will have a common ground and clear direction to develop and implement on-the-ground projects that contribute to the achievement of net zero carbon economies and economic prosperity. However, an enabling environment is not enough.
A solid and credible pipeline of mitigation projects is fundamental to staying on that path. Developing country stakeholders can draw lessons from their 10 years’ experience with Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs). Back in 2007, developing countries committed to carrying out voluntary climate change mitigation actions with the financial and technical support of developed countries. However, according to Ecofys’ research, less than 10% of the NAMAs have secured implementation finance. There is a clear need to reframe the existing NAMAs so that they can enable investments in low carbon growth. One way to do this is by making NAMAs attractive to financiers.
Financiers seek investments in projects that are scalable and viable over a long period of time. Our research on climate finance from multilateral development banks (MDBs) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) shows that there are five common investment criteria for mitigation projects among these funders:
Country ownership: Project’s goals should be consistent with national priorities and development plans.
Consistency with nationally determined contributions (NDCs): Projects should aim to achieve the NDC targets.
Policy and regulatory framework: Governments should make sure that there is an enabling environment for climate investments; effective policies and regulations need to be in place.
Scalability: Projects should be designed in a manner that allows wide replicability and enables investments that can be scaled up over a longer timeframe.
Profitability: Projects should have an attractive rate of return; the gains of the investment must be larger than its costs.
Ecofys proposes six steps to increase the success in developing a pipeline attractive to MDBs and the GCF:
Identify the multilateral financiers that serve the target country: Financiers have specific regions where they focus their operations. The World Bank Group (WBG) and the GCF are global players, while other MDBs are focusing exclusively on specific regions.
Take financiers’ overarching objectives into account: For example, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) seeks projects that have the private sector at the core of the project design. Likewise, mitigation projects seeking finance from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), or the WBG should highlight the ways in which they contribute to the achievement of NDCs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Become familiar with communication channels and procedures used by potential financiers: The primary counterparts of most MDBs are typically the national finance or economic planning ministries. The GCF relies on National Designated Authorities, which are responsible for communicating national priorities to the fund.
Contact financiers during the project development phase: Through an early exchange, project developers can ensure that preferences and suggestions from the potential financier are considered in the final proposal. Proponents should already have a concrete project idea, ideally along with a business plan. Multilateral financiers usually don’t expect project proponents to approach them with a finalised funding proposal; instead, they offer support in the project development phase.
Develop or adapt the funding proposal to key investment criteria: Project proponents should ensure that the funding proposal meets the respective financier’s investment criteria, uses a similar language, and takes the financier’s comments from the initial exchange into account.
Consider co-financing in the project’s financial mechanism: co-financing increases scalability and decreases risks. It typically comes from other international public sources, domestic public money, or the private sector. Usually, multiple co-financing sources are preferred.
While it is true that current available international finance is not enough, countries should prioritise utilisation of limited resources efficiently. The argument of limited resources will continue to linger in the climate international debate. While it is a valid debate, the world cannot afford to wait until the finance is enough to reduce emissions. Developing countries must veer their efforts toward developing national decarbonisation strategies along with a large pipeline of bankable projects that are attractive to investors.
The increased 2020 climate finance targets of MDBs and increasing pledges to the GCF mean that rising amounts of mitigation finance will likely be made available in the coming years. This represents an opportunity for developing countries and project developers to tap into these resources. It is time for creating bankable project pipelines in each country to ensure that the decarbonisation of the global economy takes place before it is too late.
Leading web-based environment and development multi-media magazine, EnviroNews Nigeria, has emerged the nation’s top online climate change-focused media organisation.
Ron Israel, co-director of Climate Scorecard
According to a report released by Climate Scorecard on Monday, March 27 2017, while EnviroNews emerged Nigeria’s major medium in the online category, The Guardian newspapers was listed for the print media, while Eco@Africa is Nigeria’s climate-focused medium in the broadcast category.
The Climate Scorecard Country Report No. 8 profiles leading climate change-focused media organisations in the top 25 greenhouse-gas emitting countries. According to Climate Scorecard, “these are the organisations that provide their audiences with information and analysis of ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, comply with the Paris Agreement, and grapple with the effects of climate change.”
“We highlight three different types of media organisations in each country – broadcast media, print media, and online media. Generally speaking, broadcast media tend to strive for a balanced dispassionate analysis on a wide range of climate change issues, perhaps because they cater to a large diversified audience base. Print media, usually with a narrower audience, often use an editorial platform positions on specific issues; while online media can provide indepth coverage of a particular environmental problem such as renewable energy or deforestation,” say Lois Barber and Ron Israel, co-directors of Climate Scorecard, a participatory, open data effort to engage all concerned citizens in supporting the implementation of the new 2015 Global Climate Agreement.
Chiudo Ehrim, the Climate Scorecard Nigeria Country Manager, in the report describes EnviroNews as “an online news magazine that highlights environmental and development related issues. The portal is dedicated to sharing information that contributes to change towards a healthy and clean environment”.
Lois Barber and Ron Israel add: “Media organisations play an important role in raising awareness and shaping attitudes towards climate change and the Paris Agreement. Our Report is perhaps the first effort to identify which media organisations are worth following for news about climate change in their countries.
“Climate Scorecard Report #8 also provides links to climate change related media content in each of our 25 countries. Readers can click on the links to these content samples and download the full news story, article or video presentation.”
Some of the 25 top greenhouse gas emitting nations include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States.
The need to link the protection and conservation of the marine environment with sustainable development and improved livelihoods for local communities was highlighted when specialists from five continents began meeting on Monday, March 28, 2017 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, at the Expert Segment of the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Abidjan Convention.
Executive Secretary of the Abidjan Convention, Abou Bamba (right), with Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Salubrity, Environment and Sustainable Development, Anne Ouloto (middle), during the opening of the Convention’s COP12 on Monday, March 27, 2017 in Abidjan. Photo credit: Abidjan.net
Addressing the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Abidjan Convention, Abou Bamba, noted that this year’s conference marked a break with the past, when the focus was on conservation without necessarily mainstreaming the development needs of the population of West, Central and Southern Africa.
Taking West Africa as an example, he noted that the region’s coastal zone was the source of 56 percent of its gross domestic product, which amounted just under 623.5 billion dollars in 2015, according to the World Bank.
The Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem (GCLME), located off the West African seaboard, “is one of the world’s most productive marine and coastal areas,” he said, adding that “the value of the environmental goods and services provided by its coastal and marine resources is estimated to be some $18 billion a year”.
“With all this potential wealth, I think it’s time now that we link the question of the oceans to the question of development in Africa to create more jobs and improve the livelihood of our people,” Mr. Bamba stated, adding: “I think it’s now time that we start applying the principles of blue economy in Africa. I am among those who strongly believe that it’s possible and we can do it. Let’s do it then.”
The blue economy approach, based on using marine resources in ways that provide people with health, economic and other benefits while respecting the environment, is the subject of one of 20-odd draft decisions being examined by the experts meeting from Monday to Wednesday in Abidjan. The drafts will then come up for discussion and approval at the conference’s ministerial segment, on Thursday and Friday.
These decisions will determine the direction of the Convention’s activities over the next three years. They cover areas such as integrated coastal zone management, the management of mangrove ecosystems, environmental norms and standards for offshore oil and gas activities, and dealing with invasive plant and animal species, as well as illegal trade in coastal and marine wildlife.
Saving the area’s lagoons and using them responsibly to provide jobs and income, fighting against marine waste, developing regional and trans-Atlantic cooperation on coastal and marine issues, energy from the ocean, urban planning in coastal areas, and sustainable use of the ocean’s energy potential are also issues covered by the decisions focus.
The Conference of Parties is the Convention’s highest decision-making body. In-between meetings it is represented by a bureau, which takes care of day-to-day issues. Representing the chair of the bureau, Lisolomzi Fikizolo, Chief Director of Specialist Monitoring Services in South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs, highlighted the importance of the theme of this year’s conference.
The theme of COP12 is “integrated ocean management policies in Africa,” he noted, “which calls for the defragmentation of the way coastal areas and oceans are managed in Africa”.
Delivering the opening address at the conference, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Salubrity, Environment and Sustainable Development, Anne Ouloto, gave an idea of the challenges facing governments, NGOs, communities and individuals in the Convention area as they work to protect and preserve the marine and coastal environment, while developing it sustainably.
“It’s a well-known fact that 80 percent of marine pollution comes from human activity,” she noted. “Shipping, overfishing, fragmentation and loss of habitat through the destruction of mangroves, urbanisation and the population drift towards coastal areas, the extraction of materials are all factors that accelerate coastal erosion and loss of biodiversity.”
Deploring the “lack of, or insufficient, coordination of the interventions of environmental actors at both national and regional levels,” Ms. Ouloto said, adding that it was “imperative for this 12th Conference of Parties to contribute strongly to strengthening the cooperation links between our states.”
“It’s about safeguarding our marine and coastal ecosystems, given the multiple services they provide, whether it’s fisheries, construction material, tourism, climate regulation, energy, preventing erosion, or others,” she stressed.
Arising from the 2017 World Water Day Celebrations and the Global Launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2017 entitled: “Wastewater: The Untapped Resource” which ended on Sunday, March 26 2017 in Durban, the Republic of South Africa, water and sanitation ministers from across Africa have adopted the Durban Political Declaration for accelerating the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
High Level Ministerial Panel Discussion by the African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW) at the 2017 World Water Summit in Durban, South Africa
The adoption of the political declaration which coincided with the announcement of the “Call for Action” towards the implementation of the SDGs with particular emphasis on Goal-6 (Water and Sanitation) was graced by members of the High Level Panel on Water (HLPW), leaders of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), Inter-sectoral Ministers, UNESCO Special Envoy for Water in Africa, UN Agencies, private sector and civil society leaders.
The Durban Political Declaration agreed by all Political leaders mirrors the key principles, pillars and vision of the African Union, AMCOW, and HLPW Action Plan in support of the implementation of the SDGs. The Political Declaration seeks to encourage the acceleration plans and programmes and commit to the rollout of the Action Plan initiative.
In this latest declaration which recalled the African Union Heads of State and Government decision on the implementation of the July 2008 Assembly Declaration on the Sharm El Sheikh Commitments for Accelerating the Achievement of Water and Sanitation Goals in Africa; the eThekwini Declaration on Sanitation and its accompanying actions adopted in South Africa in February 2008; as well as the recent Dar Es Salaam Roadmap for Achieving the N’gor Commitments on Water Security and Sanitation in Africa adopted in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania on July 26, 2016, water, sanitation and inter-sectoral ministers from the five Africa sub-regions resolved and committed themselves to supporting and strengthening the implementation of SDG-6 and related goals by ensuring coherence in the implementation of our policies in line with the HLPW Action Plan.
The ministers also declared their commitment to supporting and sharing the best Practice Models initiatives championed by regional leaders who serve as members of the High Level Panel on Water, notably Presidents of Senegal, South Africa and Mauritius. This, according to the declaration, is in line with the Africa Water Vision 2025 which envisages “an Africa where there is an equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation, and the environment”.
Recalling the aspirations and commitments espoused in Africa’s Agenda 2063 which envisions the optimal use of Africa’s resources towards ensuring positive socio-economic transformation; the 2004 Sirte Declaration on integrated development of Agriculture and Water in Africa; and the 2008 Tunis Declaration on Accelerating Water Security for Africa’s Socio-Economic Development; the High Level Political Declaration commits African governments to increasing budgetary allocation to match the central role of water security and sanitation in Agenda 2030 and in line with the Sharm El Sheikh declaration.
To drive this, the ministers urged the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW, African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with development partners, to convene meetings of Ministers responsible for Water, and Finance to develop and implement appropriate financing policies and models for water and sanitation.
The declaration further requests the African Heads of States and Government through the AUC to prioritise Water and Sanitation as essential ingredients to Africa’s Economic Development and Growth. On this note, the ministers advocated the designation of AMCOW as the Technical Advisory Committee within AU Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment to champion the implementation and monitoring of SDG-6 at the political level.
African ministers and members of the High Level Panel on Water welcomed AMCOW’s launch of the Pan-African web-based monitoring and reporting system for water and sanitation sector which is linked to the global monitoring processes and called for efforts to strengthen and institutionalise harmonised monitoring and reporting system at member states, sub-regional, and basin levels to report on actions taken to implement these High Level Declarations including Political Declaration commitments.
The Ogun State Government has called on “Baales” and other community leaders in the three senatorial districts to partner government in tackling nefarious activities of illegal loggers in the state-owned forest reserves.
Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal
Commissioner for Forestry, Kolawole Lawal, made the call recently during an interactive session with the State Council of Baales in the ministry’s conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the sate capital.
Chief Lawal said the illegal activities of timber merchants and the level at which forest reserves had been depleted was worrisome, adding that this has necessitated the call for joint efforts of the Chiefs and government to secure the reserves.
He explained that some Chiefs especially those residing within the reserves tend to collude with illegal loggers to perpetrate unlawful acts, adding that some of them illegally demarcated government land to cocoa farmer and also construct permanent structures in the reserves which are against forestry law.
“Forestry law does not permit installing Chiefs in the reserves but the state government felt that, for proper monitoring of the reserves, someone must direct the deeds of the loggers; however if Chiefs fail to perform, government will not hesitate to dethrone such Chief,” Lawal said.
Responding, the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Chiefs, Chief Odeyinka Adisa, cautioned Baales especially those at the enclaves to desist from any act capable of tarnishing their image, warning that any Chief caught engaging in illegalities would be expelled from the council.
In a related development, the state government has implored residents to embark on massive tree planting in order to combat climate change and enhance proper gaseous exchange between man and its environment.
Chief Lawal gave the charge during an interactive session with journalists in commemoration of the International Forests Day, themed: “Forest and Energy”.
Lawal said the importance of trees to human existence cannot be over-emphasised as, according to him, it helps to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen which human beings need for breaking carbohydrate to simple sugar, apart from protecting the environment from climate change.
He added that trees provide shade, water purification and help to control natural disaster such as landslide, hurricane and flooding.
The Commissioner therefore urged the people of the state to participate actively in tree planting and desist from deforestation, illegal tree felling and bush burning.
The United Nations on Saturday, March 25 2017 dimmed the lights at its iconic Headquarters complex in New York and other facilities around the world in observance of the tenth annual “Earth Hour”, global event to put the spotlight on the issues facing the planet and to inspire millions across the world to live more sustainably.
Lights dimmed at UN Headquarters, in New York, to observe Earth Hour in 2017. Photo credit: UN Photo/Evan Schneider
In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said: “Climate change continues to imperil lives and livelihoods around the world. Last year was – again – the hottest on record. The landmark Paris Agreement gives us an unprecedented opportunity to limit global temperature rise, promote clean energy for all and create a sustainable future.”
Governments and businesses must step up. So must individuals. Building a sustainable tomorrow depends today on everyone, said the UN chief, asking the world to join him in turning off their lights at 8:30 p.m. local time.
“From the darkness, we can create a sustainable and inclusive world for all,” he said.
Organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour encourages individuals, companies, organisations and governments to switch off their lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m., local time worldwide, to focus attention on people-driven solutions to protecting the planet and building a bright, sustainable future.
First launched in 2007 in Australia, Earth Hour has become an annual event, mobilising hundreds of millions of individuals to participate and growing to become the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.
According to the WWF, the UN family joined the thousands of homes, offices, skylines and monuments that went dark on Earth Hour’s tenth anniversary to put the spotlight on the issues facing the planet, and to inspire millions across the world to live more sustainably.
Hundreds of landmarks – from New York to Uganda and Sweden to Malaysia – turned off their lights on the night of Earth Hour, including iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Taipei 101, the Empire State Building and the Acropolis.
This year the Earth Hour movement invited supporters to show their commitment to the cause on their Facebook timelines, in parallel to the lights out rolling across skylines.
The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has accused state governors of unfairly controlling the affairs of local government councils in the country.
National President of NULGE, Ibrahim Khalil
Union members came out in their numbers at a national rally last week in Calabar, Cross River State, clamouring for the autonomy of local councils in the country.
They carried placards with different inscriptions such as: “Local government autonomy will end poverty” and “Local government autonomy will ensure improved quality of life in our rural communities”.
National President of NULGE, Ibrahim Khalil, while addressing members, said local government workers have been silent for too long and would no longer tolerate such interference.
He said that governors have taken over the constitutional responsibility of local government thereby creating poverty in the 776 local government areas in the federation.
Khalil demanded, “We want Nigerians to know that local governments are dying, the people at the grassroots are not happy, there is no development in our communities because our local governments are in the pockets of the elites.
“Ideas of local government have been hijacked by governors for their personal gains. The local governments have suffered excruciating control from governors over the years and what is happening is no longer acceptable.”
The union demanded that 10% of the internally generated revenue by the state should also be given to LGCs including the stoppage of unconstitutional deductions from local government allocations/diversion of same.
He said, “A situation where governors bring people without capacity to be local government chairmen is unacceptable; there must be democracy, there must be freedom, local governments must have financial and administrative freedom.
“A vote for local government is a vote for financial and administrative effectiveness, grassroots development, national security and guarantee for democracy.”
Speaking, former Deputy President of NULGE, Johnson Ofume, explained that payment of primary school teachers’ salary must be on first line charge from Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Ofume urged communities in local governments to support the fight, noting, “The autonomy of local government is not just about LGCs but it is about the development of communities, that is the nucleus of local governments.”
There is a serious transfer talks going on within the Manchester United camp and Neymar’s agent over a possible £173 million move deal.
Neymar
If the deal falls through, it means that the Brazil captain and Barcelona striker will receive a mind-boggling £416,000-a-week wage with a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United’s strong interest in Neymar, according to reports in Catalonia, has set “alarm bells ringing” at Barcelona.
José Mourinho wants to bring in a huge name in the summer as he tries to bring the Red Devils back among the elites of world football.
Reports say United have met with Neymar’s representatives and are ready to offer the Brazilian the staggering a £416,000-a-week contact.
The 20-time English champion would offer him a better “financial and football opportunity” than is available to him at Barcelona – and pay the £175 million buy-out clause.
At 25, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is considered the next major superstar in the game, but knows he will always be in Lionel Messi’s shadow at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is also interested in signing Neymar, but will not entertain paying the release clause.
