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Marshall Islands endorses Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at UN SIDS4

Michael Simire
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Marshall Islands endorses Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at UN SIDS4

In a move at the critical once-a-decade United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), holding from May 27 to 30, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) officially endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative.

Hilda-Heine
Hilda Heine, President of Marshall Islands

The decision makes RMI the 13th nation to join the growing coalition of climate-progressive countries leading the effort to secure a negotiating mandate for a Treaty and reinforces the island nation’s place at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and in defense of human rights.

Dr. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, said at the opening plenary of the summit: “Fossil fuels are at the heart of the planetary crisis that we face today. My country is resilient – war, colonialism and nuclear testing have marked our history. We know the dangers that fossil fuels pose, and the absolute necessity of addressing them as the urgent threat they are. We are proud to join the ranks of the countries supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative today.”

The Fossil Fuel Treaty aims to halt the expansion of fossil fuels and pave the way for an equitable clean energy transition. RMI, highly vulnerable to the climate crisis, understands the urgency of preventing the further development and use of fossil fuels. With a small landmass (181 sq km) averaging just two meters above sea-level and a population of 42,418, all of RMI’s territory is imminently threatened by rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather. A one-meter rise could inundate 40% of their capital and largest city, Majuro.

Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness & The Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, said: “I believe it’s extremely important for small island developing states to act in solidarity on this very issue. We have to become one in protecting ourselves. We cannot rely on large economies, and we cannot rely on those who are responsible for the proliferation of fossil fuels that is causing global warming and the devastation to the island states. And so, the endorsement of Marshall Islands was a welcome declaration today. And as a Minister in the Caribbean region, I’m hoping to be able to persuade all Caribbean islands to be part of this coalition.”

Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, said: “Marshall Islands has historically been a leader in the climate negotiations. It has been a leader in establishing clearly their reality of climate change, through showing the situation that small islands will experience in the future, and the risk that it creates for their countries and their civilisation. So, I’m very happy that we can count on the leadership of Marshall Islands to push forward towards something that is very challenging, which is actually getting to the negotiation of a binding Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty that allows us to plan a transition that is coherent with social justice.”

Selina Leem, Micronesia Lead for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “As one of the frontline countries in the climate crisis, Marshall Islands is familiar with weathering the brunt of an impact. And we will only meet these challenges and rise to the occasion. We must meet the severity of the climate crisis with an even greater level of resolve, as we did in COP21’s 1.5C red line and by now endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to make sure this is a reality. Our ambitious trajectory is not an option but a necessity. Not just for our futures, but our very present. Thank you for your continued progressive leadership in the climate space.”

In the lead-up to SIDS4, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative convened on Sunday, May 26th in Antigua and Barbuda, the first meeting of the endorsing nations leading an effort to secure a negotiating mandate for a Treaty. The meeting was hosted by the SIDS4 host nation, Antigua and Barbuda, the first Caribbean country to endorse the Treaty, in collaboration with the Governments of Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The growing coalition of now 13 countries – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Niue, Antigua and Barbuda, Timor-Leste, Palau, Colombia, Samoa, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands – is urging other governments to join them in seeking a mandate to negotiate a new Treaty on fossil fuels. The proposed Treaty is a new legal mechanism that will secure an equitable transition away from oil, gas, and coal, and the world’s chance to stay within the 1.5°C climate limit.

The SIDS4 conference is a global event dedicated to tackling the distinct vulnerabilities and challenges of small island states, fostering sustainable development through international collaboration, strengthening resilience against the climate crisis, and advancing economic, social, and environmental progress. The summit serves as a crucial platform for island nations to advocate for ambitious climate action on a global scale set against an escalating planetary crisis of climate breakdown, associated with pollution and biodiversity loss.

SIDS are particularly impacted by fossil fuels and their dependency on them, facing rising sea levels, increased extreme weather events, and economic instability due to fluctuating energy prices. As some examples, the Solomon Islands have seen severe coastal erosion, while Fiji has experienced devastating cyclones exacerbated by climate change, and islands across the Caribbean continue to be ravaged by more frequent and more intense hurricanes.

With the accession of Marshall Islands, the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal has 12 out of the 39 SIDS nations on board. Notably, the Republic of Colombia, a major developing nation and coal and gas producer, also joined the movement at COP28. This growing international support, which now includes 13 countries, over 100 cities, more than 2,000 civil society organisations, and half a million individuals, seems to underscore the global need to phase out fossil fuels and embrace clean energy solutions, particularly for vulnerable nations like SIDS and the RMI.

Small islands on the frontlines of catastrophic climate crisis, crippling debt

Michael Simire
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Small islands on the frontlines of catastrophic climate crisis, crippling debt

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) opened on Monday, May 27, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda to deliver a bold new and transformative plan of action to help SIDS build resilience, tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

SIDS4 Conference
The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) opened on Monday, May 27, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda

World leaders, together with representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia and youth, have gathered at the Conference to tackle critical issues impacting the future of SIDS. Under the theme “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”, the four-day Conference (that will be rounded up on Thursday, May 30) will showcase new innovations and develop practical solutions to address critical SIDS-specific challenges driven by the climate emergency, spiralling debt and health crises.

The Conference will adopt The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, which sets out the sustainable development aspirations of small islands over the next 10 years and the support required from the international community to achieve them.

“The new Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States outlines steps to achieve resilient prosperity in partnership with the international community,” said United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres.

“I urge SIDS governments to back up these words with bold investments and sustained engagement across all sectors of sustainable development. But SIDS cannot do this alone. The international community has a duty to support Small Island Developing States – led by the countries that have greatest responsibility and capacity to deal with the challenges they face,” added Guterres.

Echoing this, Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the SIDS4 Conference, highlighted: “The Agenda tells the SIDS story, their journey, their hopes and challenges. But most importantly, the Agenda shows the global community the specific actions that Member States, development partners, financial institutions, the UN system and stakeholders must take to deliver and follow-up on SIDS’ aspiration for prosperity and a sustainable future for their people and our planet.

“Together, we will use this Conference as a catalyst for building and renewing partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms and concrete actions that will support these extraordinary island nations and their people to build a more resilient and sustainable future that leaves no island behind.”

SIDS’ Resilience

The SIDS across the Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea are home to approximately 65 million people. They manage 19.1 per cent of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zones and the resources they hold. Accounting for 14 per cent of the world’s coastlines, SIDS boast a high degree of biodiversity. The people of SIDS have pioneered renewable energy solutions, championed sustainable tourism while spearheading conservation efforts and making major strides in developing ocean-based economies.

Yet these small island nations remain a special case for sustainable development given their small size, remote location, narrow resource base and unique vulnerability to external shocks, including climate-induced disasters. With SIDS still reeling from the double shocks of the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, amid the rapidly accelerating impacts of climate change, the SIDS4 Conference takes on even greater urgency.

At the Frontlines of Climate Change

SIDS are at the frontlines of the rapidly accelerating impacts of climate change despite only contributing to 1 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Climate change is threatening around 75 per cent of SIDS’ coral reefs, which are some of the planet’s most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems. And for low-lying SIDS like Tuvalu, Maldives and Kiribati, sea-level rise represents an existential threat. These islands may be uninhabitable by the end of the century which could cause mass population displacement. Despite this vulnerability, SIDS had access to only $1.5 billion out of $100 billion in climate finance pledged to developing countries in 2019.

Many SIDS also remain dependent on imported fossil fuels, curtailing both their environmental and economic efforts. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), some SIDS would need an investment of around US $5.9 billion annually to achieve their renewable energy targets by 2030 and reduce their fossil-fuel dependency.

A Crippling Debt Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic deepened existing fragilities and triggered the most acute economic contraction across SIDS, increasing their debt burden and depleting resources. Over 40 per cent of SIDS are now on the edge of or are already grappling with unsustainable levels of debt. Between 2000 and 2019, the external debt of SIDS rose by 24 percentage points (of GDP). The total public debt for SIDS now stands at approximately $82 billion. Many SIDS continue to rely on Official Development Assistance (ODA).

However, ODA to SIDS remains comparatively low, standing at just under $3 billion in 2020 for all SIDS. Approximately two-thirds of ODA-eligible SIDS are currently classified as lower-middle or upper-middle-income economies and are at risk of becoming ineligible for concessional financing.

Plagued by gaps and inefficiencies, the current outdated global financial system has failed to serve as a safety net for these countries. SIDS are paying more to service debt than invest in healthcare and education. In response, SIDS are calling for increased access to concessional finance, through expanding multilateral lending. They also want representation of SIDS in international financial institutions and the incorporation of vulnerability into the allocation of concessional finance, accompanied by support to sustainably manage their debt levels.

Looking Ahead

As a critical moment to renew multilateralism and deliver on the promise to leave no one behind, the upcoming Summit of the Future, taking place at UN Headquarters in New York from September 23 to 24, 2024, will be an opportunity to further address the concerns of SIDS. The Summit will help to ensure the most vulnerable countries can access both the finance and technology they need to support their development goals – including climate mitigation and adaptation.

“Small Island Developing States face critical existential challenges. The overlapping crises of COVID-19, climate change, and conflicts in different parts of the world, have seriously jeopardised their journey toward sustainable development,” stated Rabab Fatima, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Small Island Developing States.

“The adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) ushers in a new era of hopes and aspiration for transformative changes in SIDS in the coming decade. I call on the international community to demonstrate strong commitment at SIDS4 to supporting SIDS on their journey toward sustainable and inclusive development to ensure full and effective implementation of the ABAS,” added Fatima.

Govt, Nasarawa disburse $250,000 ACReSAL revolving fund to 10 communities

Michael Simire
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Govt, Nasarawa disburse $250,000 ACReSAL revolving fund to 10 communities

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Sunday, May 26, 2024, flagged off the disbursement of $250,000 World Bank facilitated Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) revolving loan to 620 farmers.

Abdullahi Sule
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State

The farmers are drawn from 10 communities in the state.

Speaking at the event in Doma Local Government Area, the governor said that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the Federal and state governments to support farmers to mitigate the impact of climate change and boost food production.

Sule said that, as part of effort to boost food production, the state government recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10,000 farmers in the state.

The governor explained that the ACReSAL revolving interest-free fund under its Community Climate Resilience (CCR) component, would help to boost agricultural output and improve the livelihood of the beneficiaries.

He said that the 10 benefiting communities were from Doma and Toto Local Government Areas.

Sule noted that climate change had brought so many challenges to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers, adding that the intervention would go a long way to ameliorate their plight.

He said that his administration would continue to collaborate with partners to provide resources and support that would cushion the effect of climate change and tackle poverty in the state.

“To this end, Nasarawa state is partnering with the Federal Government, World Bank through ACReSAL project to help the vulnerable communities to adapt to the impact of climate change.

“We expect this support to lead to food security, improve income of the communities and create employment opportunity especially among the vulnerable groups including persons with special needs, women and youth.

“The project will also enhance farmers and communities’ capacity of climate smart agriculture through technology and innovation, increase community farmers understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, and to help address local conflicts and foster peace,” Sule said.

The governor said that the financial support was specifically targeted at registered ACReSAL communities and farmer groups across the state.

He pointed out that the revolving fund would support farmers to implement community climate resilient initiatives and ensure sustainability beyond the lifespan of the ACReSAL project.

He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the purpose it was meant.

In her remarks, Dr Joy Iganya-Agene, Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, said that 620 beneficiaries comprised 367 male and 253 female from the 10 communities of the two LGAs.

Iganya-Agene, who is also a Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank Nigeria Office, said five communities each from the benefiting LGAs were selected for the gesture.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alh. Aliyu Ogah, the Andoma of Doma, thanked the State, Federal Government and World Bank for the gesture to farmers in his domain.

The royal father expressed optimism that the support would help towards improving productivity of farmers in the benefiting communities.

By Sunday John

We’ll continue peaceful occupation of Shell – Bayelsa EA host communities

Michael Simire
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We’ll continue peaceful occupation of Shell – Bayelsa EA host communities

The seven protesting communities occupying Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Estuary Area (EA) in Bayelsa State have indicated to maintain a peaceful occupation of the facility while awaiting favourable mediation.

Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State

Mr Timothy Geregere, Chairman of Bisangbene, one of the host communities, disclosed this on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Bisangbene.

The communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa took the protest to the EA oilfields, off the Atlantic coastline, on Tuesday.

The protesters arrived at the facility on speedboats chanting solidarity songs in the Ijaw dialect.

Geregere says although they have received appeals to vacate the facility, they would rather stay back but maintain a peaceful disposition until the matter is resolved.

According to him, they have assured they will remain peaceful, keeping vigil and helping the military to secure the facility.

He said this would continue until the oil firm reverts the composition of the EA Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to seven in reflection of the cultural affinity of the people.

He maintained that the plot by SPDC to foist five other communities in the HCDT was unacceptable.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, he says, mandates oil firms to set aside three per cent of their operational expenses for community development to be managed by HCDT.

Geregere regretted that they were compelled to resort to a peaceful protest having made efforts to no avail to resolve the dispute on the negotiating table.

The community leader said it was regrettable that despite making the position of the seven settlements clear in several letters to the company, SPDC ignored them.

“We have been compelled to go this far by mobilising the communities to draw the attention of all stakeholders to our simple demand; we want to be treated separately in the EA oilfield and have written several letters to SPDC.

“We have come here to draw attention to the delay tactics of foisting ‘strange bedfellows’ together, which is a grand plan to retard development.

“We will not allow divide-and-rule in our communities, so we are telling the world that we should be allowed to operate a separate trust.

“We will remain here until our demand is met, and earnestly hope they will not push us to shut down the facility,” he said.

He explained that the separation became necessary because the 12 communities in the EA, including five other communities, could not work together.

The seven communities that have resolved to work together are Bisangbene, Amatu I, Amatu II, Letugbene, Orobiri, Ogbintu and Azamabiri.

According to the community leader, four different clans initially operated the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) before the advent of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021.

He said when the PIA came, SPDC indicated intentions to merge the different clusters but that the seven communities rejected the proposal of adding five other communities with them.

They insisted on having a separate trust from the five other communities, which are Bilabiri 1, Bilabiri 2, Ikeni, Izetu, and Agge.

When contacted, SPDC Spokesperson, Mr Michael Adande, said the matter was already in court.

“The EA Host Communities Development Trust is a subject of intra-communal litigation, the outcome of which is being awaited before any further steps by the SPDC.”

By Frank Shedrack

Talks ahead of COP29 must find way to boost clean energy investments – Birol

Michael Simire
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Talks ahead of COP29 must find way to boost clean energy investments – Birol

Global talks ahead of the 2024 COP29 climate summit must find a way to boost the share of clean energy investments in emerging economies, which has “remained flat” over the last 10 years, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Fatih Birol
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Discussions about increasing funds to help poorer countries fight global warming and how the money will be divided among them are still ongoing, “with different if not opposing views on the topic,” he noted.

Ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, countries are working out details of a new annual climate finance goal, which is likely to be at least hundreds of billions of dollars. The topic has become controversial at UN summits, as a previous climate finance goal set in 2009 to deliver $100 billion per year by 2020 to poorer nations was only hit once, in 2022, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Birol said overall global clean energy investments are growing significantly, but the amount of money going to emerging and developing countries has “remained flat” at 15% of the total amount since 2015. It is currently about $250 billion, he said.

“So, this, in my view, is the fault line of our journey to reach our climate target,” he said. “This will be the key topic for our high-level dialogues with our colleagues from Azerbaijan and the rest of the countries.”

OSCE and Azerbaijan are already co-operating in the field of ecology and climate change, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Malta’s Minister for Foreign, European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, said in an interview with Report.

He welcomed Azerbaijan’s active participation in a project on climate and security, which is facilitating cross-border cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia on wildfire risk reduction for climate resilience.

Borg said: “With Azerbaijan preparing to host COP29, there is a significant opportunity for deepening this cooperation even further and developing meaningful discussions on the nexus between climate change and security. These discussions could be highly beneficial and align with ongoing conversations within the OSCE on this critical intersection.”

The step taken by Armenia to hold the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan was a very good sign, Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Director of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, said.

He made the remark at the presentation ceremony in Lachin regarding COP29 with the participation of members of diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, including military attachés.

According to him, the decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made possible with the support of the entire international community:

“It is a very responsible task to lead the most important negotiations on climate change and climate crisis in the world as the host of COP29. We need to take measures to fight the global climate crisis. But for this we need some tools. The main tool of implementation is finance. Thus, we must come up with an ambitious action agenda, and we have started work on this path. In this way, we will inspire and revive the world community.”

The Deputy Minister said that Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur have been declared green energy zone.

“Thus, Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur become a testing ground for Azerbaijan’s green technology and green energy. Therefore, the importance of this region coincides with the great task we have undertaken. Because Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur are the places where we test the best technologies for the green world. If it is successful, we will apply it in other regions of Azerbaijan. We will produce more green energy than is consumed in this region, and it could be exported to other regions of Azerbaijan.”

We’ve confidence in Azerbaijan for hosting and presiding over COP29 – Belgian diplomat, Lenaerts

Michael Simire
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We’ve confidence in Azerbaijan for hosting and presiding over COP29 – Belgian diplomat, Lenaerts

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will become the world centre of climate policy November 2024 by hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The decision to hold a climate conference for the first time in a South Caucasus country was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Baku is expected to receive about 70,000-80,000 foreign guests as part of the event.

In an interview with Report, Ulrik Lenaerts, Deputy Director for Environment and Climate Policy and Cooperation of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium, spoke about the importance of COP sessions in the fight against climate change, emphasised the main tasks that should be paid attention to when preparing for COP29, underlined the possibility of establishing cooperation between Belgium and Azerbaijan in this direction and much more.

Ulrik Lenaerts
Ulrik Lenaerts, Deputy Director for Environment and Climate Policy and Cooperation of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium

How would you characterise the importance of these sessions as a man who has been taking part in the COP sessions for many years?

The Paris Agreement works with the five-year ambition cycle and also has defined clear goals on the temperature goals, not tackling climate change. So, the temperature stays far below two degrees and possibly 1.5 degrees.

The annual COP meetings are that once-in-a-year opportunity to bring everyone together in bringing those goals closer. COP meetings are very unique, and you won’t find something similar in other policy areas.

Firstly, you have the actual negotiations between governments for an agreed global consensus on how to move forward with the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Next, you have the climate action agenda, that is the different stakeholders, trade unions, businesses, youth and others that showcase certain initiatives that present targets from their side, and that very often interrelates with the issues that are under negotiation. So, they create a kind of a further expectation on what that negotiated outcome needs to look like.

And thirdly, a COP is a kind of global gathering where all the actors active on climate have this convening space.

Because of the fact that energy transition and also adaptation involve so many different actors, these actors became very eager to join COP meetings, to have COP meetings as a meeting point, to share their experience, their know-how and to build partnerships with others, also putting pressure on negotiations. And that makes the COP meetings so special.

What are your expectations from hosting a climate conference here in Baku? What issues will be on the agenda of COP29?

COP in Baku is facing very much a challenge of taking forward what we agreed in Dubai when there was a political finalisation of that five-year ambition cycle.

It was prepared for two years with a lot of scientific reports, with a lot of technical negotiations, and it resulted in clear guidance for the new NDCs. These are the national climate goals that have to be introduced in the latest by the beginning of 2025.

And it’s very important that in that respect, COP29 is that enabling COP that really strengthens international cooperation on developing those national goals.

It’s common knowledge that climate funding will become the main topic at COP29. What can you say about that?

There’s a high-level expert panel on finance that also has been created to support the preparations for the new finance goal.

But what this analysis shows is that the amount of finance and investments that you need for the ambitious and diseased energy transition and adaptation is in a magnitude of trillions annually.

What is very important, I think, for everyone in the preparatory discussions it was obvious that all countries want to see a goal that lives up to that challenge that responds to actually what is needed to achieve the goals.

A large proportion of climate finance comes from domestic national resources. And there it’s very important that the enabling environments are encouraging, attracting climate investments. You can do so by setting clear goals on where you want to go on renewables, on energy efficiency.

You can also do so by introducing cap and trade or carbon pricing instruments. There are lots of ways to do so, but it’s very important that you have a framework at the national level that is supportive of investments for climate.

If you look, for instance, at the numbers from the International Energy Agency, their analysis shows that 87% of the newly installed capacity in 2023 was renewable energy. So, a lot of the international energy investments at present and in the near future are in the areas of energy efficiency and renewables.

Unfortunately, what you also see in the analysis of the International Energy Agency and IRENA – International Institute on Renewables, is that you have a very uneven spread of the investments on renewables and also on energy efficiency. What they show is that you have a concentration of investments in developed countries, also in China. And that to some part has to do with the high costs of investments in those countries, where it’s certainly important that the COP also encourages for more risk appetite by the international actors, while also minimising that risk by having nationally the enabling environments that can attract the finance.

How can Azerbaijan and Belgium cooperate in implementing climate change initiatives?

Belgium has a rather small territory in the North Sea, but with the investments that have been made in the North Sea and the additional investments that we expect, and we have been in close cooperation with all the actors in renewable energy and particularly offshore wind and green hydrogen, we will be able to generate the amount of offshore wind energy that equals the total household energy consumption from Belgium by 2030.

And I’m mentioning this because you, and this region is certainly considering and has embarked on similar regional energy cooperation initiatives. So, I think it’s certainly interesting to really share notes on how countries pursue that kind of regional integration of networks. It’s a very challenging.

And, for instance, within the North Sea, it’s not just about identifying zones where you will have offshore production, attracting investors, but also creating an energy island that would work as a kind of buffer when you have overproduction of energy at some point, and then you can use it at moments that you have lesser production. But it’s also setting up the transmission networks and the connection to the continent and so forth.

It involves a lot of expertise and bringing a lot of actors together. I think that is certainly an area where both Azerbaijan and Belgium, as a North Sea country, can have areas to cooperate and exchange ideas.

How can you assess the work done by the COP29 team and preparations for this large-scale event?

Those exchanges were very positive. Since we have the EU presidency during this semester, one of the first things that we decided, was coming to Baku and to connect with the COP29 team. We were impressed by the state of the preparation, also because it was very short after the actual decision on the host for COP29 was passed. That was in December. And we came at the end of February, beginning of March.

And everyone we spoke was perfectly aware of the topics, the challenges, what the role of the COP presidency is. So, we have a lot of confidence in Azerbaijan for hosting and presiding the COP.

We hope to have the result on climate finance, cooperation on NDCs and there are other deliverables that we are looking at. For instance, we hope to get a result on the market mechanism in a way that supports climate ambition. There’s a review of the gender action plan. We hope that that will be concluded.

Courtesy: Report News Agency

Nigeria’s water resources potential as driver of president’s food security agenda

Michael Simire
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Nigeria’s water resources potential as driver of president’s food security agenda

On assumption of office, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration embarked on an ambitious transformation to revitalise Nigeria’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens.

Prof Joseph Utsev
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev

Central to this vision is an 8-Point Agenda targeting key areas such as food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, inclusivity and national security.

A cornerstone of this plan is the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, which has been tasked with several critical initiatives.

One of the immediate priorities is ensuring that both food and water availability and affordability are considered national security issues.

This integrated approach mandates collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to promote year-round agricultural productivity through effective irrigation.

The government says it recognises the need for a secure environment where farmers can work without fear of attacks.

By engaging the nation’s security architecture, the government says that efforts are underway to protect farmlands and ensure the safety of those who cultivate them; thus encouraging farmers to return to their fields.

It may be recalled that the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) are pivotal in supporting continuous farming.

By implementing irrigation schemes, these bodies are enabling the cultivation of crops even during the dry season, thereby mitigating seasonal fluctuations in food supply.

For instance, the Graduate and Youth Empowerment programme in these river basins has supported young people in acquiring improved farming skills using water resources from dams and irrigation facilities.

A beneficiary at the Benin-Owena River Basin scheme, Michael Salami, said he had been trained in beekeeping techniques and had found more opportunities to expand his business and become self-employed by exporting honey.

Other beneficiaries were trained in aquaculture, palm oil production, and rice farming, among other areas.

To align with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Declaration of State of Emergency on Food Security, the ministry has unveiled several flagship projects.

These include the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), the Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO) and the River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA).

These initiatives aim to revolutionise irrigated agriculture, boost food security, alleviate poverty, create jobs, and spur economic growth.

The ministry says it is committed to adopting innovative water resource management practices.

This involves partnering with state and local governments, as well as communities, to enhance agricultural productivity.

According to the ministry, by transitioning from traditional methods to scientific approaches, the goal is to achieve year-round farming, frequent cropping cycles and higher crop yields.

While new initiatives are critical, the ministry also prioritises completing existing projects.

Given the significant capital investments already made, it is essential to ensure that these projects deliver value for money and contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of the citizenry once operational.

It may be recalled that the theme of the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, “People, Planet and Prosperity: Promoting Water Governance for National Food Security,” reflects the administration’s comprehensive plan.

The meeting offered a platform to review progress since the last council gathering and make strategic decisions to meet presidential and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets in the water and sanitation sectors.

In his submission, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said efforts to enhance the food security agenda included the construction and rehabilitation of dams and associated infrastructure.

The minister said the agenda supported water supply, sanitation, irrigation, and hydropower generation; thereby contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

In response to frequent flooding, Utsev said it was done with the development of a comprehensive plan to prevent flood disasters.

According to him, it includes designing buffer dams and conducting feasibility studies for flood detention dams to manage excess water from major rivers.

He said effective collaboration among federal, state, and local governments is essential to maximise the benefits of existing water infrastructure.

This cooperation, he added aimed at harnessing the full potential of dams and irrigation systems for socio-economic growth.

It is worthy to note that irrigated agriculture is key to Nigeria’s economic vibrancy, with completed irrigation schemes, handed over to farmers through the World Bank-sponsored Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

The project has significantly boosted agricultural productivity in regions like Jigawa and Kano states, while sustainability strategies and planning to expand 500,000 hectares of irrigable land by 2030 have been developed by the ministry.

Agriculture stakeholders believe that climate change is another significant problem affecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, as changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have affected crop yields.

Mrs Liyatu Ayuba, a member of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), called on the Nigerian government to extend financial facilities to farmer cooperatives and processing companies.

She said that such support was crucial for procuring the technologies and inputs needed for business growth.

Ayuba highlighted the need for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to increase efforts in providing farmers across different agro-ecological zones with seasonal rainfall predictions.

According to her, it is vital for farmers to plan and operate their farms effectively in response to expected rainfall patterns.

Ayuba urged the Ministries of Agriculture at both state and federal levels, along with the Central Bank of Nigeria, to facilitate agricultural insurance for small-scale farmers.

She said such support was necessary to mitigate losses caused by climate change-induced events such as floods, droughts, and erosion.

“State Ministries of Agriculture should be encouraged to ensure farmers have access to essential inputs.

“This would optimise harvests, enhance resilience to climate change, secure food supply, generate more demand for farm products and open market channels for moving food from rural areas to cities,’’ she said.

Ayuba underscored the need for continued collaboration and support from stakeholders in formulating policies to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Kabir Ibrahim, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), noted that addressing the food crisis without tackling security issues is futile.

Ibrahim said that many farmers had been killed on their farms, and numerous others were currently seeking refuge in various IDP camps.

He acknowledged the current administration’s efforts to ensure food security but raised a vital concern.

“The primary objective is to get our people back to their farms, which can only happen when they feel safe and assured of returning home alive; therefore, security must be the starting point,” he said.

Corroborating further, a Water Resources expert, Dr Inuwa Kuta, said that achieving water governance for food security was essential and about deliberately putting programmes that would improve the lives of the population.

According to him, effective water governance is acknowledged as a key factor to impactful food security and socio-economic development of any nation.

He said by prioritising the availability and affordability of food and water, the administration addressed the critical resources as national security issues.

“The focus on innovative water resource management, completing existing projects, and proactive climate measures underscores a commitment to sustainable development.

“To enhance food security, Nigeria should strengthen farmer security, expand irrigation, and promote climate-resilient practices, while also providing financial support, fostering government collaboration, and encouraging public-private partnerships,’’ he said.

Kuta said implementing the aforementioned recommendations would help Nigeria achieve its food security goals and ensure a resilient and prosperous future.

All in all, experts say the focus on innovative water resource management is laudable.

They hold that the completion of existing projects, as well as proactive measures against climate change and flooding underscore the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and socio-economic well-being of Nigerians.

By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Onuigbo commends Tinubu’s efforts towards tackling climate change

Michael Simire
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0
Onuigbo commends Tinubu’s efforts towards tackling climate change

A former federal lawmaker, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for recognising the opportunities that abound in implementing the Climate Change Act.

Sam Onuigbo
Rep. Sam Onuigbo

Experts say mitigating the impact of climate change and protecting the environment will make the earth safer for humans, animals and plants.

Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act in the National Assembly, is also the Chairman, Committee on Security and Climate Change, North East Development Commission.

He gave that commendation on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Framework in Abuja.

He said through his actions and official pronouncement, Tinubu had demonstrated that he appreciates what the country stood to gain from mitigating the impact of climate change.

Tinubu has supported the movement of electricity generation from the exclusive list to the concurrent list.

He has also thrown his weight behind to conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The president has also ordered Ministries, Departments and Agencies to patronise CNG in their procurement of vehicles.

He also said the launch of the NDC was a strategic milestone and a sure path towards attaining Nigeria’s 2050-2070 net-zero target as provided in the act.

The former lawmaker also commended other stakeholders working assiduously to tackle climate change in the country.

“I am happy because what we started on a small scale when there was little or no awareness, is truly moving in the right direction in a gradual but steady manner.

“I would like to congratulate the Director-General and the leadership of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Federal Ministry of Environment, NDC Partnership, and other facilitators – local and international.”

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, launched the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

The LT-LEDS is a strategic milestone that translated the net-zero presidential pledge made at COP26 into a vision for the transformation of Nigeria’s economy and society by 2060.

Onuigbo said the event on the global stage was followed by several other activities in Nigeria, including the high-level presentation and socialisation of the LT-LEDS on May 8, 2024.

He also expressed satisfaction that Nigeria now has a clear pathway towards attaining Section 1 of the Act he sponsored, which aims “…achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development”.

He further noted that Nigeria ranks among the top countries where climate change badly impacts children; a reason why women, youths, and children were prioritised in the act.

He cited Section 26 of the act, which provides “for the integration of climate change into the various disciplines and subjects across all educational levels”.

Speaking at the event, Director of Country Engagement, NDC Partnership, Ms. Mariana Panuncio-Feldman, said the launch of the NDC reflected an effort on the part of Nigeria to tackle climate change through an integrated whole-of-economy, whole-of-society approach.

She also said the NDC Implementation Framework adopted a dynamic results-based approach to Nigeria’s coordination of climate action.

The NDC Implementation Framework translates Nigeria’s 2030 climate commitment into an actionable plan, encompassing the mitigation and adaptation actions to be taken by seven major sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The sectors include agriculture, forestry and land use, water, energy, transport, waste and industry, as well as critical cross-cutting enabling actions.

Such actions include the development of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems, the integration of gender considerations and the institutionalisation of more effective collaboration mechanisms.

By Kayode Adebiyi

Tinubu reiterates commitment to sustainable dev. in Niger Delta

Michael Simire
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Tinubu reiterates commitment to sustainable dev. in Niger Delta

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his government’s commitment towards the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria

Tinubu made the statement at the inauguration of the 27km Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) jointly funded the multi-million-naira road project which has seven bridges.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu said that his administration was serious about delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Represented by Mr Abubakar Momoh, the Minister for Delta Affairs, Tinubu urged Nigerians to make meaningful inputs towards the success of his administration.

He said that the road project which took 18 years to complete had brought relief to the 14 communities within its corridors.

He said that similar funding model should be deployed by other international oil companies to implement more development projects in the region.

Also speaking, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive, commended Tinubu for his renewed vigour in funding development projects in the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku said that the project exemplified the inherent potential in using public private partnership for development funding.

“The president is committed to the development of the Niger Delta region; his leadership style has renewed our hopes.

Mr Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, SPDC, said that the oil firm was delighted over the completion of the project.

He applauded the NDDC for religiously implementing its part of the funding arrangement.

Baylesa Governor, Gov Douye Diri, said that the state was delighted that the road, which was conceived in the 1940s, had been completed.

Represented by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Duoye said that the Nembe-Brass Road was stalled in 2007 until the state government commenced funding in 2013.

“We found out that the contractor was having three challenges such as insecurity, community agitations and funding gaps.

“We brought all parties to the table and provided N3 billion, reinforced security and spoke to the communities to support the project.

“Sadly, our inputs are not reflected in the narrative here today,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to join the state government in the ongoing 21km Nemba-Brass Road which aims to hit the Brass Oil Export Terminal.

By Nathan Nwakamma

First Bank partners Proparco on climate performance

Michael Simire
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0
First Bank partners Proparco on climate performance

First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., in partnership with Proparco, a development finance institution, has begun mainstreaming climate initiatives into business operations and strategy.

Segun Alebiosu
Mr Segun Alebiosu, Acting CEO, FirstBank

This is aimed at achieving a holistic integration of climate action on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction to strategically position First Bank as an African Climate Bank.

Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank, said this in a statement on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Lagos.

Ani-Mumuney said that First Bank’s climate journey across all areas of implementation was reviewed during a two-day partnership strategy workshop session.

She said that the partnership was with IPC and Valoris, consultants from Austria, engaged by Proparco in the climate mainstreaming project.

The spokesperson said that the review was to determine progress and empower various departments of First Bank to deepen their understanding of climate risks in their processes.

She listed six workstreams for the implementation including the identification of financed and avoided emissions to support reporting as well as supporting the measurement and analysis of operating emissions.

Others were the integration of physical climate risk assessment; opportunity analysis; climate strategy and policy development; and capacity building amongst staff to support strategy implementation.

Also, Dr Martin Steindl, Managing Director, Valoris, Austria, said that First Bank was the most organised financial institution on climate mainstreaming.

“Amongst our various engagements with financial institutions on climate mainstreaming, FirstBank is the only organisation that has been able to provide data both on the assets’ location of their portfolio and head offices of their clients.

“I am impressed with the progress we have collectively achieved,” he said.

Also, Acting Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank, Patrick Akhidenor, reinforced the bank’s commitment to mainstreaming climate initiatives.

Akhidenor said, “First Bank is intentional about redefining its climate footprint. We are identifying opportunities in climate finance to improve our portfolio and reduce the carbon emissions associated with our processes and operations.

“The bank is executing a financed emissions calculation mechanism as well as creating climate finance opportunities, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency products for our customers,” he said.

Nigeria has committed to reducing its GHG emissions to 20 per cent by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2060.

While this is ambitious, it sets the tone for businesses in Nigeria to at least support their GHG emissions reduction strategy with national plans and targets.

First Bank, a signatory to the Africa Business Leaders’ Climate Statement released in 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt by the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC), is committed to achieving the goals.

By Grace Alegba

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