Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for greater sense of urgency in combating the challenges of climate change.
Ondo State officials at the unveiling of the initiatives
Aiyedatiwa said this on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the unveiling of two global complimentary initiatives by Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), the RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival.
The theme of the programme is “Attaining Climate Smart Ondo State and Mega Cultural Bound Revenue Generation”.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment, Niyi Oseni, said that climate change posed various dangers to human existence, hence the need to quickly proffer solutions to the menace.
The governor, who commended the management of RUGIPO for spearheading a cause to protect the environment, said: “Our collective existence is at risk unless utmost major decisions are made to address climate change.
“This being the reality, we must collectively begin to utilise the appropriate available platforms such as the RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival Initiative to develop workable initiatives to nip climate change in the bud.
“Among other things, a climate smart city project requires energy efficiency support through a rapid deployment of energy efficient technologies, improved urban planning, access to climate information and financing.”
He said that the state government had made frantic efforts to combat the menace of climate change through the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA).
He said that the agency had carried out public enlightenment through aggressive campaign against climate pollution.
According to him, people of the state are now aware and cautious of activities that can particularly trigger climate change.
Also, the Acting Rector of RUGIPO, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, said that it would be perilous for the world to ignore implications of climate change.
Adegun asked all hands to be on deck in the determined bid to massively and urgently address the global challenge posed by climate change.
He said that a tertiary institution, which is the most strategically positioned platform where solutions for societal challenges are proffered as products of research, has key roles to play.
The acting rector added that the attendant peril of climate change informed his resolve to establish a climate change centre in the institution.
According to him, the centre has a full-fledged potential based on the extant modalities of the United Nations.
Adegun assured that the centre would be made consistently functional in line with global best practices and would impact positively on both its immediate and remote environment.
He explained that the centre would develop adaptation and mitigation strategies to aid the United Nation’s development goals in its immediate environment and beyond.
Adegun stated that the two concepts: climate change and tourism/culture, were entwined to carry out research for huge benefits of the institution and the state.
Dr Zainab Obadakin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Kogi, commended the management of the institution for its initiative on climate change and culture concepts.
Obadakin said that through diaspora cultural engagement, the two states could generate 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
Mr Bamidele Ajayi, Head of Administration, RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change, said that the occasion was an innovative event to change the face of the institution.
Ajayi explained that the centre was a timely response to address the climate change implications, saying that no one should be left out in tackling climate change considering its great menace on the human existence.
He said that the institution through the centre was well positioned to tackle climate change.
The director called on every well-meaning Nigerian to support the initiative and ensure that the centre was able to fulfil its objectives toward human existence.
In his remarks, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, said that climate change was caused by human activities, hence the need for proper orientation.
Ogunoye, who was represented by Chief Amos Aladeseye, appreciated the institution’s initiative, saying it will go a long way in sensitising the people about climate change.
The Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Abba Aliyu, has emphasised the need for aligning sector strategies to meet the country’s net-zero commitments.
Net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it.
Aliyu made the call at a workshop organised by the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) with the theme “Aligning Sector Strategies with Net Zero Commitments” in Abuja on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Aliyu, who was represented by Ms Ngozi Chimdi-Ejiogu, an acting director in REA, stressed the critical importance of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) in the country’s journey towards a sustainable future.
He noted that Nigeria was committed to significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Paris Agreement.
“In July 2021, the nation reaffirmed its pledge to reduce emissions by 20 per cent below business-as-usual levels by 2030, with plans to increase this reduction to 47 per cent contingent on international support.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment’s 2021 NDC update highlighted the energy sector as the largest emitter, responsible for 60 per cent of emissions, primarily from oil and gas activities, transport, electricity generation and residential and industrial energy consumption.
“Agriculture, forestry, waste, and industrial processes also contribute to the country’s overall emissions,” he said.
Aliyu outlined a multi-faceted strategy to bridge the gap between sectors and align with Nigeria’s NDCs and ETP.
This strategy, according to him, includes strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks by developing sector-specific roadmaps and incentivizing sustainable practices.
Reflecting on the REA’s achievements, Aliyu highlighted the success of programmes like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), which had demonstrated significant strides in providing energy access.
“The REA is now focused on scaling these solutions by developing large-scale clean energy projects, driving economic impact beyond energy access, creating innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships, stimulating demand for reliable power, and providing avenues for local and blended financing.
“The REA has already made substantial progress, with over 160 MW of clean energy deployed, 1.8 million connections made, impacting over 7 million Nigerians, and reducing carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes.
“The upcoming Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale up (DARES) Project aligns with the Paris Agreement, ensuring that all financed activities are consistent with Nigeria’s climate commitments, he explained.
He further explained the importance of a collective effort to meet Nigeria’s conditional and unconditional contributions, recognising the vital role each sector played in maintaining the global 1.5°C pathway.
He, therefore, called for continuous collaborative efforts to align strategies with Nigeria’s net-zero commitments, urging active participation from all stakeholders.
Aliyu expressed confidence that the deliberations and collaborations from the dialogue would significantly contribute to the global effort to align sector strategies and build a more sustainable, equitable, and energy-secure future for Nigeria.
On his part, Mr Somkele Awa-Kalu from Sustainable Energy for All/Energy Transition Office, in an interview with newsmen on Nigeria’s energy transition, explained the nation’s progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
He added that the workshop aimed to assess Nigeria’s journey towards this goal and to delve into the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan by the Energy Transition Office.
Awa-Kalu underscored the importance of understanding recent developments in the energy transition and highlighted the long-standing collaboration with key stakeholders in the renewable energy landscape, including the Energy Transition Office.
He added that the workshop would address the need for enhanced partnerships within the renewable energy sector, which he described as both nascent and essential.
He called for stakeholders to support one another, align their objectives, and collaborate to facilitate and accelerate the energy transition.
In his presentation, Awa-Kalu stressed the necessity of improving access to low-cost financing for renewable energy projects.
He highlighted the importance of the Energy Transition Plan within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a key focus of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Awa-Kalu urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the availability of appropriate financing and an enabling environment, including supportive policies, to advance renewable energy objectives.
The workshop aims at significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a low-carbon economy, reinforcing the collaborative efforts required to meet the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Nigeria urgently needs to reassess its environmental governance plan, according to environmentalists, civil society actors, the media, and other interest groups in the sustainable development sector, if it is to meet its aim of becoming a low-carbon economy.
L-R: Dr. Aminu Zakari, Executive Director, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Studies (CCCES); Etta Michael Bisong, Co-founder and Director of Communications, Green Waka; Elizabeth Oladimeji, Senior Project Assistant (Migration Environment Climate Change), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria; Michael Mbaike, Co-founder and Lead, Green Waka; Osadebamwen Patrick, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abuja Council; and Comrade Echezona Asuzu, Coordinator of the Nigeria Labour Congress’ Climate Change, Green Jobs, and Just Transition Programme, after the presentation of certificates to two Nigerians to even be carbon literate on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Abuja
Expressing this position on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Abuja, during the official launch of the Carbon Literacy Project (CLP) in Nigeria, the group recalled that Nigeria is committed to becoming a net-zero economy by 2060 and that, to achieve this ambitious goal, a robust system that measures, monitors, reports, and verifies (MMRV) the delivery of these pledges is required.
During the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow in 2021, Nigeria promised to reduce emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally by 2030.
And, to achieve these goals, Michael Mbaike, co-founder and leader of Green Waka, believes that CLP is both an intervention and an innovation because of its philosophy of involving people in their workplaces.
People are more persuaded and devoted to their employment, he claimed. With its unique concept of bringing superiors and subjects together, there is no question that CLP will encourage the action needed to advance Nigeria’s just transition.
He urged stakeholders, particularly the government, to collaborate with Green Waka to create an introduction course that addresses the carbon concerns facing individuals and various sectors.
Comrade Echezona Asuzu, Coordinator of the Nigeria Labour Congress’ Climate Change, Green Jobs, and Just Transition Programme, emphasised the importance of trade unions and civil society organisations investing in MMRV systems and demanding proper legislative and executive oversight on climate change.
Asuzu voiced his dissatisfaction with the mishandling of the country’s ecological funds, referencing a House of Representatives probe that exposed N180 billion in misappropriations.
“It’s alarming that while our political officeholders mishandle ecological funds, communities like Ayetoro face devastating flooding, soil erosion, and coastal erosion,” he told reporters.
The labour rights activist questioned the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change’s vast powers and asked the government to review this position.
“We need strong institutions, not strong individuals, to drive climate action,” Asuzu made clear.
Phil Korbel, co-founder and director of advocacy at The Carbon Literacy Project, believes that the renewable power that will propel Nigeria to a net-zero future is that of its people.
He stated that urgent action on climate change is driven by facts agreed upon by the world’s scientists, but that this language sometimes needs ‘translating’ so that everyone, whoever and wherever they are, understands its relevance to them.
“This is what carbon literacy training does. It also enables anyone to devise their best action in such a way as to make it doable. Imagining this happening across the largest nation in Africa is full of great potential, and it’s great to be a part of it,” Korbel said.
An international organisation, Oxfam, has called for a shift from continuous distribution of free seeds to more sustainable approach that will empower communities to produce their seed.
Oxfam Nigeria Country Director, Mr John Makina
Oxfam Country Director, Mr John Makina, made the call at the Crop Diversity for Food Security Project in West Africa round table with humanitarian actors and stakeholders on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Abuja.
Makina said that while seed distribution was often carried out with the best intentions, it had inadvertently caused some market distortions, created dependency among farmers and introduced unsuitable crop varieties.
The director said the goal of the crop diversity project of ensuring local based production of seeds currently being implemented in Bauchi state and Jigawa, was to establish a resilient and self-sufficient seed system in the project regions.
According to him, by doing so, long-term food security and agricultural sustainability will be ensured.
“The project aim is to rectify these issues by empowering local farmers and their organisations to produce, test, and disseminate diverse and adaptable seed varieties, fostering a sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
“In Bauchi and Jigawa, where this project is being implemented, farmers now have access to five new diverse varieties of millet and sorghum.
“This success is due to the rigorous testing of 10 different varieties in 20 communities’ farmer field school demonstration plots.
“These achievements highlight effectiveness of participatory variety selection and underscore the importance of involving farmers directly in the decision-making process,” he said.
Angarawa Ignatius, Country Representative, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Nigeria, said the meeting objective was to learn how humanitarian actors could support development of local seed systems sustainably.
He further said it was to ascertain how the role of agricultural producers in humanitarian actions related to seeds could be strengthened.
According to him, the project is to support smallholder farmers, especially in conflict affected areas to produce seeds and ensure sustainable food production.
The meeting was organised by Oxfam in collaboration with ICRISAT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), USAID, and Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), among others.
About 37% of U.S. registered voters in the United States of America, about 60 million people, are pro-climate voters.
Joe Biden (left) and Donald Trump
This forms one of the key findings of a survey conducted by the Centre for Climate Change Communication of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Besides the fact that pro-climate voters are more likely to vote in the November 2024 presidential election than other voters, the survey also found that Democrats, urban residents, and Latino Americans are most likely to be pro-climate voters.
“Many important federal climate policies, including the transition to clean energy, investments in underserved and more vulnerable communities, and participation in international climate treaties, will be determined by voters’ choices in the 2024 elections,” submitted the Centre, adding that national polls find that Americans rank global warming as a lower policy priority than many other issues.
However, these findings may underestimate support for action because a large number of Americans think that global warming is a very important voting issue, even if it is not at the very top of their list, noted the institution.
Using data from its latest “Climate Change in the American Mind” survey, the Centre said that it analysed data from pro-climate voters, or registered voters in the U.S. who say both that global warming is a “very important” issue to their vote for president and that they prefer to vote for candidates who support action on global warming.
The Centre added: “Just over one-third (37%) of registered voters in the U.S. are pro-climate voters. Notably, an additional 25% of registered voters also prefer a candidate who supports climate action even though they do not say that global warming is a very important voting issue to them. Most other respondents indicated that climate change will not factor into their voting choices, but importantly, virtually no registered voters said that global warming was a very important issue and that they prefer a candidate who opposes action.
“Liberal Democrats are the group most likely to be pro-climate voters (70%), followed by urban residents (47%), Moderate/Conservative Democrats (47%), those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher (45%), and Hispanics/Latinos (43%).
“We found that pro-climate voters are more likely than all other voters to discuss global warming at least occasionally (67% vs. 19%), to hear about global warming in the media at least once per month (66% vs. 48%), to say that taking action on global warming is important to their family and friends (66% vs. 29%), to say that their family and friends make an effort to reduce global warming (62% vs. 24%), and to say that they hear other people about global warming at least once a month (40% vs. 15%).
“In addition, we asked registered voters how likely they are to vote in the November 2024 presidential election. Pro-climate voters are more likely (89% ‘very likely’ and 7% ‘somewhat likely’) compared with other voters (82% ‘very likely’ and 9% ‘somewhat likely’).”
Key Takeaways
A significant proportion of American registered voters (37%) are pro-climate voters. According to the most recent data available from the Census Bureau, there are more than 161 million registered voters in the United States. This suggests that there are nearly 60 million pro-climate voters in the U.S. Moreover, the great majority of these voters say they plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election. In a close election – as 2024 is expected to be – these voters could be decisive.
The Centre’s analysis finds that pro-climate voters are already more likely to talk about global warming compared with other voters, but only 40% say they hear other people they know talk about global warming. Additionally, the analysis finds that 25% of registered voters overall do not say that global warming is a very important issue to their vote, but they nonetheless prefer a candidate who supports action on global warming.
Finally, although a large majority of pro-climate voters say they are likely to vote, not all of them are. Normative messages, such as letting people know that many people in their community are voting, including their own friends and family members, can encourage people to vote when they might not otherwise. Additionally, organisations like the Environmental Voter Project identify and engage low-likelihood voters who are concerned about environmental issues.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have reviewed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in Nigeria.
HFCs are described as the world’s fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators. Photo credit: Getty Images
The review, which has the support of Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), was done at a technical committee meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Abuja.
The inception of this review process was marked by a stakeholders’ workshop on May 15.
The Director-General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said that the organisations had been working diligently and collectively with the aim of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions.
Abdullahi said this would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.
According to him, a crucial component of the project is scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution revision.
“These organisations have been diligently working on this project.
“Our collective effort is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.
“A crucial component of the project is scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution revision,” he said.
He urged the committee to approach its deliberations with utmost diligence, expertise, and collaborative spirit, adding that it will not only influence national standards but also contribute to Nigeria’s global commitment to combat climate change.
Earlier, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that the review was not just about meeting today’s need but anticipating and preparing for the future to enable Nigeria participates in continental and global trade.
Okeke, represented by Olalekan Omoniyi, Deputy Director, Standards Development, said that setting appropriate standards for energy would contribute to global effort in combating climate change.
According to him, it will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a leader in sustainable energy solution potentially attracting more international investment and partnership.
“By setting appropriate standard for energy efficiency, we are not only contributing to global effort to combat climate change.
“It will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as one of the leading countries in sustainable energy solution, potentially attracting more international investment and partnership,” he said.
The Committee Chairman, Nelson Chukwu, said that one of the objectives of the meeting was to review and scrutinise drafts.
Chukwu said that the committee must pay attention to details and ensure that the standard was robust, scientifically sound and tailored to the scientific needs and conditions of the environment.
He added that the committee was to establish a benchmark to drive the industry to a higher efficiency, while maintaining the balance between performance and cost effectiveness.
“As we deliberate, let us have it at the back of our minds that energy efficiency is not just a technical requirement,” he said.
The Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) has unveiled a policy to reduce carbon footprint of its mass transit system and ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
2nd from left: Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA; Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, General Manager, LAMATA; Mr Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation; Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation; Mr Idowu Oguntona, Managing Director of Lagos Bus Services Ltd.; and others
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona, made this known at the fifth anniversary of the organisation’s existence, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Lagos.
Oguntona said that the LBSL Sustainability Policy was a strategic framework developed on the Lagos State Climate Action Plan and Lagos State Transport Policy.
According to Oguntona, the policy represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.
“By integrating environmental, social and governance principles into every aspect of our operations, we are not only enhancing the quality of our services but also contributing to the overall well-being of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
“Currently, the transport sector is responsible for generating about 20 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“In response to this challenge, we are determined to lead by example in reducing the carbon footprint of our bus mass transit system,” he said.
He said that the policy was driven by the organisation’s mission statement – to provide smart and sustainable bus transportation solutions to meet the needs of a modern city.
He added that the organisation introduced a state-of-the-art sick bay which reflected its dedication to the health and well-being of employees.
He said that some achievements that had shaped LBSL’s path included more than 52 million passengers and over 27 million kilometres coverage across over 30 routes.
“Our driver training academy has produced over 1,862 graduates,” he said.
The managing director said that LBSL had a total of 850 employees, of which 216 had spent more than five years with the company.
Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which is LBSL’s regulator, applauded the organisation for the policy.
Akinajo said that Lagos believed in sustainability of the transport sector.
She said that the achievement of LBSL within five years demonstrated the commitment of its staff.
“As your regulator, we see what you do, and we can say that the LBSL is the one that carries the largest number of passengers daily in Lagos.
“You are doing something right that we are proud of, Lagos residents appreciate your job. Please do keep it up,” she said.
Mr Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, said: “We are aware of your pains and sufferings. Your CEO writes concerning the complaints, and we shall surely overcome.”
The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that the achievements of the organisation in the last five years depicted consistency and good leadership.
“What you do is provide service, you have direct interface with passengers, you are doing something good to have the ridership.
`’Please, do not drop your service level, it is extremely important.
“High-capacity buses are used for many reasons: one is to reduce the number of cars on the road; secondly, it is for environmental issues.
“The more the number of bigger buses, the less the number of cars and the less carbon emissions. LBSL plays a role in this space,” he said.
The anniversary featured presentation of awards to 216 pioneer staff of the organisation.
The Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment has tasked journalists on raising awareness on climate change issues in the country.
Participants at the NCCRP organised Capacity Building workshop for Media Professionals on climate change
The Director of DCC, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, gave the charge at the end of a three-day workshop for media professionals on climate change on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Lagos.
Abiola-Awe was represented by Mrs Dolapo John-Akhighbe, the Desk Officer at Department of Climate Change.
The workshop, held under the auspices of the DCC and the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP), was organised to equip journalists for adequate reporting of climate change issues.
The European Union funded NCCRP intends to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) pledge of 47 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases emissions by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 13.
Abiola-Awe, who commended the participants for their active participation at the workshop, called for increased awareness on climate change effects.
“As we end this capacity building workshop for media professionals on climate change, I would like to extend my gratitude for your active participation and dedication over the past few days.
“The knowledge and skills you have gained here will undoubtedly significantly impact your reporting of one of the most critical issues of recent times i.e. climate change.
“Climate change is a global challenge that requires unified actions and as media professionals you hold the unique power to inform an inspire change.
“Your role in raising awareness, holding stakeholders accountable and shaping the public opinion is crucial in driving the necessary action toward a more sustainable and resilient future,” Abiola-Awe said.
She also stressed the importance of fact checking in climate change reportage
“I encourage you to continue learning and evolving in your coverage of climate change.
“To seek out diverse perspectives, to fact check vigorously and to communicate climate solution-oriented stories that empowers individuals, communities, state and the national to take positive climate actions.
“Remember the power of storytelling is immense and your words and pictures have the potential to inspire change, foster understanding and driven progress of climate action,” she said.
The NCCRP Team lead, Dr Todd Ngara, encouraged networking among the journalists in creating awareness on climate change issues.
“A lot of themes were discussed in the course of the workshop as regards climate change.
“However, our focus as the NCCRP is to actualise a network of journalists on climate change report, hence the introduction of participants to Nigerian Journalists for Climate Change Action Network (NIJOCAN).
“This workshop is the third gathering of journalists on climate change, and in the first workshop in Abuja, NIJOCAN was created, and the second in Keffi.
“To include the southern journalists hence the workshop in Lagos to include journalists from the region.
“For sustainability and inclusivity, we urge journalists from the South to be part of this network to push the frontiers of climate change reportage in the country,” Ngara said.
On his part, Mr Michael Simire, a facilitator at the workshop, commended the journalists for their active participation.
“The training has been successful so, indeed climate change communication is very important.
“We have observed that the journalists have been very active and participatory in all the workshop sessions. They are enthusiastic and are learning, which is very commendable.
“This will mean that the workshop will impact positively on their reportage of climate change issues.
“This will foster better communication of climate change issues and the public will become aware of intricacies and the dynamics of climate change impacts.
“Then they will be able to make necessary changes in their relationship with the environment,” Simire said.
A key expert in communication and capacity building with the NCCRP, Ms Elizabeth Mwaniki, called for increased coverage of climate change issues by the journalists.
“This workshop targets adequate reportage of climate change issues in media newsrooms in Nigeria.
“Through the workshop, we learnt the importance of putting climate change reports on the front pages of our media reports.
“Going forward, we expect that after this training, that journalists will go give climate change stories more visibility and expand their coverage of climate change issues.
“We also hope to build more networks among climate change reporters to ensure sustainability of the reportage,” Mwaniki said.
The Federal Government has announced partnership with development partners to chart a climate-resilient path for the country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev
Experts at a three-day national workshop gathered to develop the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the sector on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Abuja.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the sector’s role in promoting dignified lives and sustainable development amid climate change challenges.
Utsev, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said climate change presents a significant threat to humanity, impacting WASH services globally.
He noted that the hazards of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in WASH facilities, leading to social and economic risks.
He added that “in Nigeria, only 10 per cent of households have access to basic WASH services, while 23 per cent lack basic water supply, according to the 2021 WASHNORM report.
“These include increased household medical expenses, reduced agricultural productivity and higher incidences of civil unrest.”
These figures, he added, underscored the urgency to address climate-related risks in the sector.
He cited recent cholera outbreaks as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust WASH services in the country.
According to him, the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges head-on, providing comprehensive framework for assessing climate impacts across geopolitical zones.”
Utsev urged participants to prioritise behavioural change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement for climate-resilient WASH services.
“This plan is about long-term solutions to ensure climate resilience in WASH infrastructure and practices to benefit future generations.
“Education on climate-resilient practices is essential for both children and adults to foster sustainable habits,” he said.
While calling on stakeholders to play active roles in the initiative, the minister assured the ministry’s resolve to continue to allocate resources and create an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.
Earlier, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, highlighted the critical impact of flooding in Nigeria, affecting 34 out of 36 states.
He explained that “as of November 2022, the situation had a devastating impact on 3.2 million people, resulting in 600 deaths and displacing 1.1 million individuals.
“Erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels are increasingly challenging the maintenance of Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure, particularly during floods and droughts.
“Flooding causes severe damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, and it can also harm water and sanitation facilities.
“This pollution of water sources and damage to sanitation systems increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.
“Drought, on the other hand, reduces the availability of safe drinking water for households.
“This scarcity makes it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices during climate crises.”
Babarinde emphasised that the situation not only poses immediate health risks to families but has far-reaching impacts on education and the economy.
He noted that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan assesses Nigeria’s current climate conditions across geopolitical zones and proposes innovative solutions to enhance WASH services.
On his part, UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranjibi Tirawi, said climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity today, impacting every sector, including water services.
He explained that majority of households in the country already face challenges with limited access to quality water services, underscoring the timeliness of collaborative efforts to change the narrative.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WaterAid, state water agencies and the Ministerial Advisory Council, urging collective action to protect those most affected, particularly at the grassroots.
At long last, the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site now has a new Management Plan in place. It aims to improve the management of the site and develop its natural resources for the benefit of nature and the people, by putting in place an effective administrative management system that involves the active participation of the local population.
The Acrostichum aureum, a fern that is threatening mangroves on the Anghor Lagoon in the Ketra Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site
Titled: “Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site Management Plan 2023-2032,” it replaces the old one, last updated in 1999 under World Bank funded Coastal Wetlands Management Project, and which had been in existence for 25 years.
It was during that project that the Keta Lagoon Complex site alongside Songor, Sakumo, Densu Delta and Muni Pomadze ecosystems were designated as Ramsar Sites or coastal wetlands of international importance. These Ramsar sites are protected under the Wetland management (Ramsar Sites) Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1659).
Again, the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site’s new Management Plan is a product of the European Union (EU) funded project: “Management of Mangrove Forest from Senegal to Benin,” implemented in nine West African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The others are Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Guinea and the Gambia. The aim of the project was to achieve an integrated protection of the diverse and fragile mangrove ecosystems in West Africa and enhance their resilience to climate change.
The IUCN Ghana Office, which spearheaded the project’s implementation in the country, introduced the new Management Plan to stakeholders at the Mangrove Project Closure Workshop in Accra, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, to formally close the project.
Developing a new management plan for the Keta Lagoon Complex was a priority activity under the project because the site has been undergoing substantial pressure. For instance, the surface area of the natural habitats is decreasing, while urban infrastructure is rapidly expanding with the protected area almost surrounded by an urban belt.
Also, fish stocks are declining, groundwater is getting more and more salinised, while debris is choking fish breeding areas. According to GMES & Africa (2020), mangrove surface area in the Site had sharply declined in recent years from 70 km square in 2015 to 58 km square in 2020.
Eventually, the new Plan, which is a major achievement of the Mangrove Project, is expected to result in regeneration and conservation where possible, of the original species and habitat that give the site its international importance. Additionally, the capacity of stakeholders would be strengthened to sustainably manage and derive livelihood from their natural resources.
Aside providing general information such as the land and its regulatory context, physical and biological characteristics, the socio-economic and cultural frameworks, values and challenges about the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site; the new Plan also identifies areas of priority intervention. They include the Gamenu, Anyabui-Salo and Anolga mangrove zones. Others are the special biodiversity zone comprising the Avu and Anyako-Seva lagoons which are breeding grounds for aquatic life, and the small islands within the Keta Lagoon Complex.
The new Plan farther recommends that special attention be given to the beaches and the edges of the Volta River estuary in any restoration and protection activities.
Other achievements of the Mangrove Project in Ghana
Another major achievement of the Mangrove Project in Ghana includes restoration of a total of 55.5 out of the targeted 1500 hectares of degraded mangrove areas. The restored mangrove areas are basically around the Sota, Galotse and Atoprakpo community restoration sites.
While the area restored is modest, compared to the initial target, its significance is the long-term contribution towards enhancing biodiversity, climate resilience and livelihoods of the catchment communities.
Also, community woodlots have been established in several communities including Galotse and Bomingo. The woodlots cover a total area of 11 hectares and will serve as alternative wood energy source for the benefit of the communities as well as promote sustainable lifestyles. Additionally, a total of 60 community members were trained and supported with income-enhancing alternative livelihoods that impacted about 300 household members.
Presenting an overview of the project, Anthony Adeea Mba of the IUCN Ghana Project Office, said the gains made became possible through its key partners namely: A Rocha Ghana, Kasa Initiative, Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and the Development Institute (DI). Others were the Anloga and South Tongu District Assemblies, the Anloga Traditional Council and the various project communities.
He said another key partner was the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This partnership led to seven students conducting their undergraduate research thesis on mangrove related topics.
Anthony stated that three of the students were supported with small grants under the project to undertake their research. Their topics were: Mangrove Forest cover along the coastline of Ghana, Water quality index for mangrove restoration in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site Ghana, and Effectiveness of implementation of policies in the management of Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site.
In a message, the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Joseph Boakye, described as significant, the development of the revised Plan for the management of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site and commended the project for facilitating the process. He also highlighted the establishment of the Dusornu Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) and attributed the 90% progress made to “… a result of our collective commitment to sustainable resource management.”
The Chairperson of the National Mangrove Management Platform, Togbe Kumassah, was thankful to all the partners and stakeholders for playing a tremendous role in the overall success of the project. “Collectively, we celebrate our achievements and lessons learned, paving way for future conservation efforts,” he added.
The Platform was one of several formed to provide strategic directives towards implementing the mangrove project in Ghana.
Importance of mangroves
Earlier in her welcome address, Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei of the IUCN Ghana Project Office, traced the significance of the Mangrove Restoration Project to the importance of mangroves in the national economy and the threats facing that ecosystem.
“Mangroves are indeed vital ecosystems providing numerous benefits, including coastal protection, nurseries for marine life, and carbon sequestration. However, mangroves constantly face alarming degradation globally, with devastating impacts on biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate change.”
She said over the past 50 years, global mangrove forests cover has declined at an estimated 30-50%, while in Ghana, the loss of mangrove forests cover has been estimated at 25% over the past 20 years.
Dorcas emphasised that the range of impacts from mangrove degradation is huge – “including decreased carbon sequestration and contribution to climate change, loss of biodiversity and habitat for marine life, reduced coastal protection and increased vulnerability to erosion and flooding, and increased risk of saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.”
To ensure that gains made under the now ended Mangrove Restoration Project are not eroded, the participants made a unanimous call on the IUCN Ghana Office to identify alternative funding sources to build on the gains made.
Status of mangroves in Ghana
Mangroves form part of Ghana’s wealth of biodiversity resources. Both red and white mangroves are found along the coasts and estuaries throughout the country’s coastal stretch from the eastern coast to the western coast cutting across Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions including the southernmost tip of the country.
They serve as the foundation of a highly productive and biologically rich ecosystem providing habitat for a wide range of aquatic species including different types of fishes and shell fishes as well as feeding grounds for migratory birds. Mangroves support the livelihoods of coastal communities and contribute significantly to the nation’s fisheries sector.
However, mangroves are threatened through unsustainable exploitation, pollution, reclamation for residential construction, poverty within mangrove communities, inadequate alternative livelihood options, illegal mining or galamsey, invasive species as well as climate change impacts.
