Germany has unveiled an initiative that will assist developing nations to implement climate change commitments made last December in Paris, France. Many developing countries at the COP21 UN climate conference made their first ever commitment to complying with climate targets with the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
German Federal Environment Minister, Barbara Hendricks. Photo credit: Stephanie Pilick/dpa
However, a new implementation partnership now aims to help them transform these targets into specific strategies and measures, thanks to disclosures made recently by the German Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks and Federal Development Minister Gerd Müller at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.
The implementation partnership has been initiated jointly by the German Ministry for the Environment and Building and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development together with the World Resources Institute (WRI). Its goal is to support developing countries in specifying and implementing their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). It also aims to help merge existing climate and development goals and to achieve greater harmonisation among the various donor programmes. The partnership will be officially launched at the Marrakesh climate conference in Morocco (COP22) in November.
Hendricks said: “In Paris we all pledged to stop dangerous climate change. We now have to achieve the targets we have set ourselves and to breathe life into the Paris Agreement. We are ready to support developing countries in tackling this challenge and to share our experience with them. This should also give our partner countries new opportunities for development. I believe that this initiative will send an important political signal at the next Marrakesh climate conference.”
Müller’s words: “Climate change is driving millions of people out of drought-stricken regions in Africa and coastal regions in Asia. We will only be able to achieve a world without hunger and poverty if we all join forces to drive forward effective climate action. This is a key challenge for the international community in the 21st century and the prerequisite for peace, and for equitable and fair globalisation.”
Developing countries, donor countries, institutional partners and NGOs will participate in the partnership. Membership is open to all countries, it was gathered. To support the set-up of the partnership, the German Ministry for the Environment and Building and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development will finance the establishment of a secretariat in Washington and Bonn. Additionally, the climate action projects of both ministries will focus to an even greater extent on implementing the nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.
One of the implementation partnership’s key tasks will be to organise quick access to tailor-made advice for developing countries. The partnership will draw on the know-how and work of numerous organisations, initiatives and platforms. There will also be a contact point for developing countries with specific climate-related questions – for example on developing the use of renewable energies, sustainable urban development and climate-resilient agriculture to name but a few. The partnership also aims to ensure that the various donors in different countries work hand in hand in implementing the Paris Agreement.
Access to cancer care in Africa is receiving a boost, following the disclosure on Sunday in Darmstadt, Germany that some indigenous doctors have been pencilled down for medical training programmes in Kenya and India.
Merck, University of Nairobi and oncology experts discussing the first Merck Africa Medical Oncology Fellowship Programme for sub-Saharan African countries. Merck will sponsor nine medical doctors from Sub-Saharan African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa for a period of two years
The initiative, which is also aimed at increasing the number of oncologists on the continent, will see nine medical doctors from sub-Saharan countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa benefit from a two-year programme sponsored by Merck, a leading science and technology company.
Merck announced on Sunday that it is starting the first Merck Africa Medical Oncology Fellowship Programme for sub-Saharan African countries in partnership with the University of Nairobi, Kenya, where the programme will be conducted. The firm says the gesture is part of efforts to improve access to cancer care and strengthen the healthcare system in emerging markets.
The Kenya training is the first step of the programme, disclosed Merck, adding that it will be extended to other African countries in the following year. Also, Merck will support another five African doctors to participate in a paediatric and adult medical fellowship programme, which will be held annually at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. This programme will start in August this year.
“We are committed to improving patient’s access to healthcare all over the world,” said Rasha Kelej, who, as Chief Social Officer of the healthcare business sector of Merck, leads the implementation and coordination of activities designed to have a positive impact on societies in developing countries.
“In Africa, where the number of oncologists is very limited, this starts by building additional medical capacity. Our new programme aims to increase the number of qualified oncologists across the continent. The scarcity of trained healthcare personnel capable of tackling prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer is a bigger challenge in Africa than the lack of financial resources. Therefore, we firmly believe that initiatives like ours are very helpful for Africa and also in a further step for more developing countries,” Kelej added.
Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Principal of Colleges of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, said: “We believe that the only way to effectively prevent, detect and treat the rising number of cancer cases in Africa is through establishing public private partnerships between health ministries, academia, and industry in implementing successful programs such as the partnership with Merck. This fellowship program will not only target Kenyan doctors but doctors from sub-Saharan African countries as well with the aim of improving the quality and accessibility of cancer care in the continent.”
Health experts believe that shortage of oncologists threatens cancer care in Africa. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), by 2020 there are expected to be 16 million new cases of cancer every year, 70% of which will be in developing countries where governments are least prepared to address the growing cancer burden and where survival rates are often less than half those of more developed countries.
According to research done by Merck Kenya only has 13 oncologists, most of them based in Nairobi for a population of 47 million, which means one oncologist per 3.6 million people. For reference, in the UK there are around 13 oncologists per one million people. In Ethiopia, there are only four oncologists, all based in Addis Ababa for a population of around 100 million inhabitants.
Merck disclosed in a statement that, over the past years, that, in addition to its cancer drug Erbitux, which made Merck is a pioneer in targeted cancer therapy, the company is also making progress in the field of immuno-oncology, which is aimed at mobilising the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
A week after a heavy flood destroyed 52 houses in Wurno town, headquarters of Wurno Local Government Council of Sokoto State in North West Nigeria, no action has so far been taken as at the time of filing this report.
Investigation by EnviroNews reveals that, in spite of the fact that the incident occurred on July 4th 2016, the local government council is yet to formally or informally liaise with neither the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) nor the zonal office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Although the chairman of the local government council, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jelani, told a group of journalists that the flood was caused by the blockage of drainages in the town as well as the indiscriminately dumped refuse and firewood in the drainage channels, calls by this reporter to the council chairman were not successful.
Jelani had told the journalists that the victims were now squatting with neighbours, relatives and other good Samaritans, yet EnviroNews confirmed that the plight of those affected by the flood were not communicated to government agencies.
When EnviroNews contacted the Director General of SEMA, Hassan Maccido, and the head of the Sokoto Field Office of NEMA, Thickman Tanimu, in desperate telephone interviews, both confirmed they had no full report on the incident.
“I have not got full report on the flood. I cannot therefore comment on it,” Maccido said.
“Has any flood occurred in Wurno? When was that? I have not received any report in that regard. In any way, I have been transferred from Sokoto and will likely handover on tomorrow (Monday),” Tanimu said.
Although no life was lost, the flood also destroyed farm produce, including onions, garlic, rice, wheat and beans.
The local government was reported to have set up a 13-man committee to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood and recommend assistance to the victims.
However, EnviroNews confirmed from one of the victims that no form of assistance has been extended to them. “For now, no one or government has come to our aid,” he disclosed.
National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Olufemi Amos Olomola, who passed away after a brief illness on the 31st of May 2016 at his residence in Lagos, has been laid to rest. He was the 21st President of the NITP.
Dr Olomola was buried on Friday, July 8, 2016 in his home town in Ilesa, Osun State. Prior to the burial/interment, Service of Songs & Tributes sessions held in Lagos on Tuesday, July 5. They were organised by the Olomola Family, NITP, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) and Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos.
Members of the Olomola Family at the burialDr Olomola’s children at the burialMinisters at the burialPallbearers at the funeralGuests at the funeralNational Secretary of the NITP, Alex N. Ogbodo (left) with Second National Vice President, Lekwa Olugu Ezutah, at the burialFaces at the burialMore faces at the burialDr Olomola’s widow and children during the Service of Songs & TributesThe Olomola Family at the Service of Songs & TributesFaces at the Service of Songs & Tributes: Dr. C. L. Odimuko (Past President of the NITP), Tpl Waheed Kadiri (Past President of the NITP), Tpl Toyin Ayinde (former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development), Tpl Mrs Catherine George (former Chairman, Lagos NITP), Tpl Moses Ogunleye (former Chairman, Lagos NITP), Tpl Bunmi Adeyeye (former Chairman, Lagos NITP) and Tpl Olaide AfolabiAt the Service of Songs & Tributes (L-R): Tpl Idreez Salako, Tpl Muyiwa Adelu, Tpl Ayo Adediran and Tpl Moses OgunleyeTpl (Dr) Moses Olubunmi Ajayi (Past President of the NITP) at the Service of Songs & TributesTpl Waheed Kadiri (Past President of the NITP) at the Service of Songs & Tributes
Development Communications (DevComs) Network writes in commemoration of the World Population Day 2016 that the occasion draws attention to the numerous challenges faced by teenage girls around the world who are forced by their families and communities into marriage
Outcome of child marriage: Mahafaly girl carrying her sibling, Madagascar. Photo credit: Frans Lanting
The population of the world continues to grow in spite of the socio-economic turns of poverty, unemployment, and pollution. There are concerns that this population explosion needs to be checked as it poses even more danger to mankind. The World Population Day is an annual day observed around the world to bring awareness about population growth, and focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. It also focuses on challenges presented by the world of 7.02 billion people. With the continuous rapid growth in the last 200 years, it has become very important for people on earth to realise and act on healthier lives and importance of small families.
This year’s theme “Investing in Teenage Girls” draws attention to the numerous challenges faced by teenage girls around the world who are forced by their families and communities into marriage, with resultant early pregnancy and debilitating condition from childbirth. Many are forced to leave school, damaging their future prospects and denying them of their human rights. These challenges are worse among marginalised girls such as those from ethnic minorities or those from poor households.
Studies have found that, around the world, 10 percent of girls have initiated sex before the age of 15, about 3.2 million girls have gone through unsafe abortion, and the second leading cause of death among girls between the ages of 15 and 19 is complication from pregnancy and child birth. Despite prohibitions, child marriage remains widespread around the world. About 37,000 child marriages take place each day.
When teenage girls are empowered, know their rights and are given the tools to succeed, they are more likely to realise their full potential and become positive force for change in their families, communities and nation. Policies and investments in education and health that empower teenage girls and create economic conditions that lead to jobs are particularly important in countries with large, emerging youth populations. Such countries stand to realise a demographic dividend, which has the potential to strengthen and speed up economic growth.
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, says, “Leaders and communities must focus on and stand up for the human rights of the most marginalised teenage girls, particularly those who are poor, out of school, exploited, or subjected to harmful traditional practices, including child marriage. Marginalised girls are vulnerable to poor reproductive health and more likely to become mothers while still children themselves. They have a right to understand and control their own bodies and shape their own lives.”
Policymakers play an important role in ensuring that human rights are universal and thus enjoyed by all, including teenage girls, who worldwide face obstacles to their rights to education, health and freedom from violence. Communities, non-governmental organisations, youth-led groups, activists, faith-based institutions and girls themselves also have a vital role to play in shaping policies that affect their lives and in making sure that these policies are translated into real, positive transformation.
The Federal Government has been called upon to initiate a coordinated multi-sectoral approach for an effective phasedown of dental amalgam use in the country.
The authorities were also asked to raise awareness about dental mercury and promotion of alternatives as well as a transition to alternatives.
These formed the fulcrum of agreements arrived at by participants at a day-long stakeholders’ forum on “Phasing Down of Amalgam – The Alternatives in Nigeria” that held last week at the University of Lagos, where a deadline of December 2017 was set for public and private establishments to discourage and stop amalgam use in children’s primary teeth.
Similarly, mid 2017 was set as target following an immediate review and updating of dental schools’ training curriculum to emphasise mercury-free dentistry.
Apart from the creation of special fund for dental schools, it was also recommended that demonstration projects (pilot hospitals) should be initiated, as well as the application of best available technology and environmental practice in the management of dental amalgam.
Participants likewise underscored the need for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to include phasedown programme in her awareness campaign which, they added, should include engaging the media in awareness creation on the health impacts of mercury in dental amalgam.
The forum brought together over 140 participants drawn from government, medical/dental, dental associations, practitioners (doctors, nurses, technicians and therapists), academia, finance, pharmaceutical industry, media and civil society groups, who deliberated on phasing down of dental amalgam use in Nigeria.
In his opening words, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Godwin Arotiba, said that the phasing down of dental amalgam is an issue of global importance that requires an urgent national action.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, represented by Mrs. Stella Olagunju, stated the willingness of the ministry to accept the decision on dental curriculum change in Nigeria with emphasis on phasedown from dental amalgam use to mercury-free alternatives into the national education curriculum.
On the other hand, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Salman Bello, represented by Prof. B.O. Sylva, noted that the Faculty of Dental Sciences, as a centre of excellence in dental practice, is more strategic to the promotion of dental amalgam phasedown initiatives for dental practice in the country. He further stated that the University of Lagos currently has facilities for scientific research and analysis to support the phase down programme.
The Federal Ministry of Environment representative (Mr Olubunmi Olusanya) who stood in for Dr Idris Goji, Deputy Director, Department of Pollution and Environmental Health in the ministry, noted that mercury emission and releases pose health and environmental concerns, even though satisfactory alternatives to dental amalgam are available in Nigeria. He further called for a national road map in line with the national phase down plan which would help to save lives.
The representative of NAFDAC Dr. Anthony Hotton, noted that NAFDAC regulates the importation, sale, use, manufacture and distribution of chemicals which are grouped as general, controlled or restricted chemicals. He stated that mercury and its compounds are placed under restriction due to their health impact.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Adeyemi Oluniyi Olusile, a past President of National Dental Association (NDA) and presently the President of African Regional Organisation of World Dental Federation (FDI), outlined the effect of mercury on the environment and health especially occupational exposures. He called for the inclusion of dental amalgam alternatives filling materials in the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria.
He added that curriculum changes into dental amalgam alternatives is already in place in some institutions like LUTH, University College Hospital, Ibadan; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH); Obafemi Awolowo University and other schools.
“The reality is that, whether we like it or not, soon and very soon, amalgam will no longer be available for use. We do not manufacture amalgam in Nigeria, we import it and if the countries from where we import no longer export, we have to use the alternatives,” submitted Prof. Olusile.
During the meeting participants observed the following:
Mercury is recognised as a chemical of global concern due to its ability transport in the atmosphere, bio-accumulate in ecosystems and significant negative effect on human health and the environment.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury signed by Nigeria in October 2013 stipulates measures to be taken by parties to phase down the use of dental amalgam and oral health.
Low level of awareness among Nigerians on the dangers of mercury.
Dental amalgam is still widely used in Nigeria.
Limited number and distribution of dental clinics and centres to provide services for the Nigeria’s teeming population.
Inadequate number of dentists and other auxiliary personnel to provide dental services to patients.
Alternative direct restorative materials such as composite, compomer and ceramics can be used for restoration of carious and posterior teeth based on specific selection criteria and indications.
That most government pediatric dentistry units have long stopped the usage of dental amalgam also due to other associated reasons.
Courtesy of the Film4Climate Global Video Competition, young filmmakers have been invited to showcase their talents and create inspirational videos about climate action.
Italian film director and screenwriter, Bernardo Bertolucci, will chair the jury. Photo credit: sensesofcinema.com
The event has been described as the centerpiece of the Connect4Climate initiative to promote sustainability in the creative industries through active engagement with young people in finding solutions to climate change.
The competition will be open for submissions through September 15, with the winners to be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony at the United Nations COP22 Climate Summit in Marrakesh, Morocco in November.
The winning entries will receive cash prizes of $8,000, $5,000, and $2,000 for first, second and third place in each of two categories: an under one-minute Public Service Advertisement (PSA) or a Short Film up to five minutes.
The competition offers filmmakers a chance to have their work reviewed by a jury chaired by Bernardo Bertolucci, and including other preeminent directors, producers, writers and political leaders.
At the competition’s announcement in Cannes, producer and jury member Lawrence Bender said, “In every country, every city, people have different stories on climate change…there are many stories that can be told. If this worldwide film competition creates a critical mass of ideas and energy, it could help tip the balance in terms of focusing people’s attention.”
As the next five years will be critical to advancing and scaling up climate action around the world as part of the SDGs, the COP22 climate summit aims to encourage countries to implement ambitious climate actions, with youth playing a vital role in the agenda.
“It is not our role to inspire youth, it is they who inspire us every single day. Our mission is to provide them with a platform, and COP22 will be the opportunity to show the world the creativity of young filmmakers and how they are taking action on climate change,” stated Dr. Hakima El Haite, Delegate Minister in Charge of Environment, Morocco, Special Envoy for Mobilisation of COP22, and High-Level Champion of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Nick Nuttall, Spokesperson/Head of Communications at UNFCCC, adds, “In order to unleash the full potential of the Paris Climate Change Agreement towards a better, more climate-safe world, all sectors of society and all walks of life need to be on board, including the creative industries. We are therefore delighted to be working with Connect4Climate to raise awareness on how the film industry can fast forward its contribution, and to showcase these achievements in Morocco in November at the next UN climate change conference.”
Sheila Redzepi, Vice President of External and Corporate Relations, World Bank Group, says: “Climate change is a real and global threat affecting people’s wellbeing, livelihoods, the environment and economies. Communication is a powerful tool in furthering understanding of its impact and inspiring action to tackle it. That’s why I welcome this initiative and the support it has received from partners who, in their own fields, are leading the way in finding solutions.”
In addition to the main cash prizes a number of special prizes will be awarded to outstanding entries. These include a People’s Choice award, a MENA-Award for the best entry from the Middle East and North Africa region, and a “Price on Carbon Pollution” award. Other prizes, including worldwide distribution by Vulcan Productions, will be awarded as determined by presenting partners. Vulcanpreviously partnered with the World Bank Group’s Connect4Climate programme to produce the spectacular large-scale architectural projection and public art display of images of climate change on St. Peter’s Basilica in December 2015, as a gift to Pope Francis, which was seen by an audience of several billion people.
Carole Tomko, General Manager and Creative Director of Vulcan Productions, states, “We know the immense power of storytelling to change the way people view an issue, to raise awareness and inspire progress. We are looking for submissions that energize and communicate in a fresh manner, and demonstrate innovative storytelling of key issues of our time.”
“This competition is a chance for young people to tell a story that may change the world,” said Lucia Grenna, Programme Manager of Connect4Climate, the global partnership programme behind the competition. “The science of climate change is beyond debate. Politicians are moving in the direction of a solution. What we need now is the creative push that the passion and imagination of young people can provide. We need their images and words to tell a story that inspires individual responsibility and collective action on a global scale.”
The competition is the outcome of a partnership between the World Bank Group’s Connect4Climate program, the United Nations, Vulcan Productions, and the Italian energy company Enel, which has endorsed the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and targeted carbon neutrality for its operations by 2050. Other presenting partners include the UNFCCC, UN Sustainable Development, UNEP, The Global Brain, and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco. In addition, more than 50 collaborating partners are supporting the competition.
Connect4Climate receives support from the Italian and German governments, as well as from the private and public sectors, and academia.
In 1960 when Nigeria became independent, there were about 40 percent forest landmass that spreads across the length and breadth of the nation’s rain forest. But, over the years, these have continued to deplete due to numerous factors such that, currently, less than two percent forest land mass remains. Succour is however emerging, thanks to some individuals and private bodies, who have taken up an afforestation campaign to boost the nation’s forest cover, green the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change. Kayode Aboyeji, who recently visited some of the initiatives, stresses in this report that, in the near future, some of these emerging forests may qualify as project sites under the United Nations (UN) Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) programme
The Evergreen Tree Plantation in Ijari, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State
Trees are essential to life; they produce oxygen without which man cannot exist. Trees control noise pollution, slow storm water runoff and serve as carbon sinks. Besides, trees clean the air, serve as wind breaker and curb soil erosion among other relevant purposes it serves to mankind.
Unfortunately, due to infrastructural development, population explosion, illegal and indiscriminate timber and non-timber product harvesting, agricultural expansion into the forest reserves and lack of compliance with and enforcement of forest laws, forest reserves have been depleted while the remaining surviving trees have become endangered species in Nigeria.
Over the years, government has supplied seedlings for tree planting, but there are no forests to show for the intervention.
Despite the involvement of the World Bank, African Development Bank Afforestation projects in the 1960s and the 1970s and the Western Nigeria Forest of 1968 headed by the Emeritus Professor Akin Mabogunje, the nation still seems worst off and struggling to find viable project sites for REDD or earn carbon credit.
But it appears all hope is not lost, thanks to initiatives spearheaded by individuals and private bodies, who are investing in massive tree planting and creating new forest zones.
The Evergreen Tree Plantation
The Evergreen Tree Plantation – a teak (Tectona grandis) plantation – is located in Ijari, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The Evergreen Tree Planters, a non-governmental organisation, was established in 1984 and is focused on planting trees for industrial prosperity and environmental sustainability is one of Nigeria foremost tree planters.
It has been able, through its aggressive tree planting programmes, to acquire and plant well over two million trees. It has been able to established plantations of 27 exotic and indigenous trees species that spreads across the state. These are Tectona grandis (teak), Khaya spp. (mahogany), Nauclea diderrichi (Opepe), Milicia excels (Iroko), Afzelia spp (Apa), Cedrella odorata (Cedrella), Mansonia altissima (Mansonia) and Cordia milleni (Omo) trees.
Bisi Rodipe, founder of Evergreen Tree Planters, is a lover of nature. At 75, he is still planting trees.
He said, “I have visited and attended several forest and forest products trade fair, conferences and workshops, hence my strong belief of the popular and ancient saying ‘Agbe L’Oba’, meaning farmers are kings. This I have practiced and proved in my 30 years’ experience in tree planting.”
Rodipe disclosed that the group is now exploring indigenous tree timber species that are near extinction which are priced in the timber market both locally and internationally.
He called on investors to join in the vanguard of tree planters towards a sustainable and economic development.
Rodipe, while charging other investors said, “Had I known 30 years ago when I planted my first mahogany trees (Khaya senegalensis) to establish a plantation of at least 500 hectares, at my present age of 75 years, I would have been spending most of my time relaxing at the Miami Beach in Florida, the United States of America.
“This is a wake-up call once again to all well meaning individual and groups to see this plantation as a means to invest in the future for you and generations yet unborn,” he said.
Labo Plantation
The Labo Plantation was established in 2011 by a Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan, Labo Popoola.
The plantation, part of a farmland that operate at Olowosoke village, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria has a total size of 13 acres – approximately 5.2 hectares – of Tectona grandis (Teak). It forms part of the original 50-acre integrated farm enterprise comprising arable crops, oil palm and livestock.
Prof. Popoola, when asked on what informed the decision to establish the plantation said, “I enjoy farming, and I am a trained forester. I have helped individuals and corporate organisations to raise plantations, and I just felt that I should also lead by practical example, hence my decision to establish the plantation as part of my farming enterprise. It is a self-financed enterprise. No external financing yet.”
On future plans for the plantation, he added, “Together with some friends, we now have a total holding of about 150 acres. We desire to extend the plantation, particularly using trees to secure the boundary of our land.
On forest management in Nigeria, he maintained, “The forest sector is beset with quite a number of challenges in Nigeria. Key among these is paucity of data for proper management, obsolete policies and laws, poor financing and corruption. The characteristics of the resource as a long gestation enterprise may also pose some challenge.
“Also critical are ownership of resources, including policies and legislation that define ownership, the social and economic conditions of the owners and more importantly their entrepreneurial ability (including the ability to understand the changing opportunities and to move up the value chain); and the nature of markets served. These interact with each other, altering the opportunities and constraints in capturing the different values from the forests. Also, there are virtually no incentive structures for private forestry. Regardless, individuals and corporate organisations are increasingly embarking on private forestry,” he said.
The Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development, who highlighted the relevance of forestry to biodiversity, stated that within six years of establishment, the plantation is already closing canopy. “We now have a number of wild animals inhabiting the area. We are also considering embarking on apiary in the plantation,” he disclosed.
On the importance of forestry, he noted, “There are so many advantages in forest plantation establishment. Broadly, the benefits are socio-economic, cultural, environmental and even spiritual. With the dwindling resources in the public sector, private forestry becomes an imperative. It is therefore important that governments at all tiers should create incentive structures that will encourage the involvement of the private sector to enhance sustainable forest management.”
The LUFASI Park
The Lekki Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) is another private afforestation programme in Nigeria. The green expanse hosts 20 hectares of play and relaxation parks, animal sanctuary, fern gardens, forest and some of the last remaining populations of the highly endangered Ekki ‘iron wood’ tree, the threatened hooded vulture and lesser hornbill.
According to the Director of LUFASI and renowned environmentalist – Desmond Majekodunmi, “Humans have gone too far down the path of environmental destruction and this goes against our essence as stewards of the Earth.” This essence is reflected in LUFASI Nature Park’s direct response to the pertinent issue of climate change. Most importantly, the park serves as a living laboratory for agricultural, ecological, environmental and veterinary education in Nigeria.
Obasanjo Farms
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is a renowned farmer. is also engaging in tree plantation. Presently, he has large expanse of teak tree plantations in Iseyin Road, Oke area of Oyo State.
The Iseyin farms consists of over a million teak trees planted in well arranged order and provides job opportunity to villagers in the community.
Besides the Iseyin farm, the former president also has about 250 hectares at Ajoda, in Ogun State where teak trees are planted. He is also said to have large expanse of teak farm in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria.
Stakeholders’ response
Commenting on these initiatives, National Coordinator of Climate Change Network-Nigeria (CCN-Nigeria), Surveyor Efik, said such efforts are worth commending, adding that that is what the global campaign is all about. That the business sector should participate in afforestation programmes.
Said he, “I will also want them to work with the Federal Ministry of Environment and register it under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project so that they can earn carbon credit.
“It is actually good that private individuals are into afforestation in Nigeria. This will boost afforestation programme in the country and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted during the Paris Agreement.
“I want more Nigerian investors to go into afforestation programme,” he added.
Climate change scientist, Prof. Olukayode Oladipo, said it is a good thing that private individuals are going into afforestation.
He noted that government alone cannot reverse the years of massive deforestation that the country has experience, therefore the private sector has to come in to support the government in afforestation programme.
Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari, declared that his administration is poised to unroll greater-than-expected measures to keep the country green.
Buhari made this statement during the launching of the ‘Keep Kaduna Green Project in Kaduna.
The president represented by Amina Muhammed, Minister of Environment, revealed that Nigeria had the highest rate of deforestation in the world.
“Environment is one of the six core pillars of this economy, thus underscoring the importance to the Change Agenda. The initiative in Kaduna State today is a clear example of state government contributing to the environment component of our economy.
“It is on record that the rate of deforestation is about 3.5 per cent per annum. The implication of this is that about 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest, equivalent to 576 million trees are lost annually.
“The environmental challenges that come with this include desertification, erosion, flooding and reduction in perspiration and contribution to drought, all this bringing untold hardship on communities and the environment.”
The president said the initiative further underscores the importance of taking climate action and creating jobs for the teeming youths.
From border disputes in the South China Sea to the ongoing conflicts and refugee crisis in Syria the world is an increasingly unstable place. Global crises like terrorism and pandemics will be amplified by climate change, undermining the UN’s ability to preserve peace and security.
Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Former UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) chief Christiana Figueres on Wednesday joined the race to become the new UN Secretary General (UNSG). Whoever becomes the new UNSG, they must radically reform the UN to make it fit for purpose in a climate changed world or see its core mission undermined, according to a report, United We Stand, released on Wednesday by climate change think tank, E3G.
CEO Nick Mabey says: “We need the UN more than ever – it is an important constant that transcends social and political unrest – but we need it to be fit for purpose. The new Secretary General must follow through on the major international agreements struck last year and climate proof the UN system.”
The future UNSG is under increasing pressure from countries to reform the UN systems, most recently during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May which sought to improve systems around humanitarian aid and crisis response.
The new UNSG will need to make sure the UN can implement the three major agreements struck last year – the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which seek to eradicate poverty, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
“The agreements struck last year recognise that climate change impacts all of the key objectives of the UN. By learning lessons from regimes like nuclear proliferation and terrorism, the UN can find practical ways to manage the impacts of climate change on its core missions and avoid being stuck in permanent crisis response,” says the report author Camilla Born, Policy Advisor at E3G.
The report draws lessons from the histories of other risk regimes to recommend practical reforms which could be delivered by 2020. A thorough approach to climate risk will help improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable, and reduce the risk of globally fragility. These reforms will need strong prioritization from the new UN Secretary General.
Ahead of the 2016 farming season and in order to give farmers enough time for proper land preparation and planting, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and its partners have so far distributed seeds and agricultural tools to about 200,000 vulnerable farming households, which benefitted about 1.1 million people in South Sudan.
Harvesting cassava tubers in South Sudan
A statement issued by the UN body revealed that many families had exhausted their seed reserves because they were unable to plant last year, had low harvest or were unable to replenish their reserves by buying seeds in local markets.
“In some cases, families have been forced to consume or sell their seeds for food and seed distributions have come at a critical moment. Without this support, many families would be unable to plant this year, meaning another year of relying on external assistance to meet their basic food needs,” said Serge Tissot, FAO Representative in South Sudan.
As a reason for the predicament, FAO stated that the 2015 violence forced many farmers in the country from their lands, “leaving them unable to plant their crops. In areas where security has improved, such as Western Equatoria, Unity and Jonglei, farmers are returning and FAO’s support has been crucial in enabling them to plant and resume food production. With the tensed food security situation, this is a critical time to ensure a decent harvest for South Sudan – last year, local production met about 70 percent of the nation’s cereal needs.”
In order to achieve the feat and because of the challenge of getting the seeds to the farmers on time, FAO worked with 40 local and international partners to effectively reach out to those families in dire need.
The early seed supply, according to FAO, was necessary because the season extends from as early as mid-March in the Equatoria regions up to June in Greater Upper Nile and Greater Bahr El Ghazal. “The support of the WFP-led Logistics Cluster was critical in ensuring that the seeds and tools were transported to hard-to-reach areas of the former Jonglei and Upper Nile States,” the statement further stressed.
FAO and the partners provided the seeds and tools directly to beneficiaries in Greater Upper Nile and in other areas, scaled up the distribution of seeds through seed fairs. In this case, over 80,000 vulnerable families have been issued with vouchers that have pre-set values with which to ‘buy’ seeds at local fairs in 2016. Over 110,000 other vulnerable families received their seeds through direct distribution.
“With the seed fairs, we are increasing access to local, but high quality seeds in a sustainable way. The fairs also boost the local economy by working with local traders, which directly injects money into the market. FAO strives to implement all distributions through seed fairs as far as security and market functioning allows,” Abdoul Karim Bah, Deputy FAO Representative explained.
FAO added that, in Greater Equatoria, more than 40,000 households received crop seeds and tools; over 60,000 households in Greater Bahr El Ghazal and a further 90,000 in Greater Upper Nile.
The beneficiaries of the assistance through a joint operation by FAO and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, included refugee households, who received the inputs. “In addition to the crop seeds and tools, FAO and its partners have also distributed more than 170,000 vegetable seeds and tools and over 140 000 fishing kits in South Sudan,” the statement further disclosed.
It stressed that the organisation’s emergency response activities were made possible through the financial support of the Common Humanitarian Fund, and the Governments of Denmark and Norway, the Swiss Confederation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.
