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World Migratory Bird Day: Campaign seeks urgent action to protect green spaces, reduce bird collisions

Michael Simire
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World Migratory Bird Day: Campaign seeks urgent action to protect green spaces, reduce bird collisions

The importance of designing and managing urban environments that support both birds and people is the message of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign organised by the United Nations and international partners. The campaign kicks off with this year’s first peak day on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Migratory birds
Migratory birds

Under the theme “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” the campaign urges collective efforts to secure the future of migratory birds in and around urban environments amid alarming bird population declines. Challenges like habitat loss and threats including bird collisions, light pollution and bird mortality caused by free-roaming pets should be addressed by decision makers and by involving residents in bird conservation efforts and encouraging a sense of ownership and collaboration in their communities.

Observed twice a year to align with migration patterns in both hemispheres, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) promotes the need to conserve migratory birds and the habitats they depend on through education, public events, and international collaboration. The 2025 theme focuses on sustainable urban planning, bird-friendly actions, and community efforts to create environments that support both birds and people.

Urgent Need for Action

Globally, 49% of all bird species are in decline and about 1 in 8 species is threatened with extinction. Migratory bird populations, in particular, continue to decrease. Published by the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), the recent State of the Birds 2025 report highlights alarming declines in bird populations across the Americas.

The majority of the world’s bird species (four in five) are unable to fully thrive in human-dominated environments, according to a 2024 study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography. In urban and semi-urban settings, window collisions, light pollution, habitat loss and fragmentation, household pesticides, invasive species, and outdoor cats, are the major threats for birds.

Collisions with glass in urban areas account for an estimated 100 million bird deaths per year in Germany, while building collisions kill over one billion birds annually in the United States of America. Similarly, in the Republic of Korea, nationwide estimates indicate that approximately 186,000 birds die annually from collisions with transparent noise barriers (TNBs) along roads. Birds in flight are particularly vulnerable to colliding with transparent or reflective structures.

Artificial light disorients night-migrating birds, heightening these collision risks. In 2023, nearly 1,000 migrating birds died after crashing into a building in Chicago, USA. In fact, studies have found that migratory birds may be subject to the effects of light pollution particularly during migration, the most critical stage of their annual cycle.

Noise pollution can mask or interfere with bird songs, which are crucial for attracting mates, establishing territories, and warning others of danger. It can also affect the birds’ breeding schedules and success rates. In Munich, Germany, scientists found zebra finch chicks born in places with constant traffic noise were smaller than those from parents who bred and built nests in quieter locations.  

Free-roaming cats also pose a serious threat to bird species. Cats are estimated to kill between 100 and 350 million birds per year in Canada, while in Australia, cats are responsible for more than a million daily bird deaths nationwide. In the city of Adelaide, cats have been implicated in the disappearance of at least one bird species, the Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel).

According to the UN, 55% of the global human population resides in urban areas, and this share is projected to rise to 68% by 2050. Urban expansion is rapidly reducing natural habitats, leaving migratory birds with fewer places to rest, feed, and breed.

Designing cities and communities to reduce adverse impacts on birds and their habitats and to support bird populations also improves human well-being, including mental health. When birds are thriving, it often signals healthy ecosystems. Cities that protect birds also tend to invest in clean air, water, and green spaces, which ultimately benefit birds and people. Bird-friendly streetscapes, parks, and green roofs create more livable, beautiful environments and birds can help people feel connected to nature and to their neighborhoods and inspire community pride.

Steps Toward Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities

The World Migratory Bird Day 2025 campaign proposes practical ways for governments, businesses, and individuals to create bird-friendly cities and communities.   Some examples of actions being encouraged through this year’s campaign include:

  • Support bird-friendly urban planning: minimise the destruction of important bird habitats in urban development.
  • Plant native plants: provide food and shelter for birds and support pollinators like bees and butterflies and some species of birds.
  • Prevent collisions: use window films or patterned glass to reduce bird-window collisions.
  • Turn off lights: reduce artificial light at night to protect migrating birds.
  • Avoid pesticides: use organic methods to control pests and help protect insects and clean water that birds rely on.
  • Reduce plastic waste: prevent birds from ingesting or getting tangled in plastic.
  • Keep cats away: protect birds by keeping cats inside, on leash, or providing enclosed outdoor spaces.
  • Advocate & educate: promote bird-friendly urban planning and raise awareness in your community.

Whether it’s individuals planting native plants in their yards or policymakers implementing bird-friendly urban planning and conservation measures, every community member can help support migratory birds.

Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), said: “Millions of migratory birds all around the world spend a key part of their life cycles within cities and other built communities – whether for breeding, feeding or as a stop along their migratory pathways. Nature does not end at the city limit; we share our urban and community spaces with a hugely diverse range of wild species of birds. Ensuring that our cities and communities are developed and maintained in a manner that supports migratory birds is not only vital for their survival, but also benefits people in countless ways.”

Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA): “As cities restore their rivers and green spaces, migratory waterbirds are returning – bringing us moments of great pleasure. Whether we are listening to the song of birds at dawn or witnessing the flight of ducks near a pond or the call of a flock of cranes high above our cities, nature is contributing to our well-being. We must therefore do all we can to protect these remaining shared spaces and create more of them. Bird-friendly cities have spaces where birds and people can thrive, increasing our contacts with nature and giving us these small moments of serenity in our busy urban lives.”

Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP): “World Migratory Bird Day underscores the critical concept of ‘Shared Spaces’ – the interconnected habitats within our communities and across the globe. Places which both people and migratory birds rely on for survival, development, recreation, agriculture. A delicate balance.

“Witnessing the recent loss of vital roosting trees in my own community served as a stark reminder of our capacity to disrupt these essential ecosystems. This raises a fundamental question: where will these birds now find refuge?  Let us raise awareness of these shared spaces. Let us celebrate the remarkable journeys of our migratory birds and dedicate ourselves to practical actions we can take for our avian friends.”

Susan Bonfield, Executive Director of Environment for the Americas (EFTA): “This year’s theme, ‘Shared Spaces’, reminds us that protecting migratory birds requires working together across communities, from bustling cities to rural villages, to create a healthier planet for people and for wildlife to coexist. By creating bird-friendly spaces with sustainable practices like thoughtful urban planning and land management, we can tackle habitat loss, climate change, and other challenges we all face together.

“World Migratory Bird Day is a reminder of the shared responsibility we have to care for our planet. It’s about inspiring a sense of wonder, connection, and stewardship for the natural world and the birds in our skies. Together, we can create a world where cooperation, like our birds, transcends borders and leads to a brighter, unified future.”

Daouda Ngom: Africa’s pastoralists hold key to sustainable livestock, environmental balance

Michael Simire
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Daouda Ngom: Africa’s pastoralists hold key to sustainable livestock, environmental balance

Across Africa, pastoralists and livestock keepers sustain herding systems which are closely bound up with our landscapes and crucial to nationwide food security, economic growth, and ecological balance. In my country, Senegal, almost 70 percent of our land is used to graze livestock.

Daouda Ngom
Daouda Ngom

And yet, I hear it often argued that – if we want a sustainable future – we must choose between hooves and habitats because livestock is an “environmental liability”.

But this point of view is misunderstood. Across Africa, innovative approaches and technologies are being piloted to allow livestock and a healthy environment to coexist. What we need now is more investment and collaboration to scale these breakthroughs.

Despite being home to more than 85 percent of the world’s pastoralists and livestock keepers, sub-Saharan Africa produces just 2.8 percent of global meat and milk. As a result, one in five Africans do not have adequate access to nutritious foods, including animal source foods. Fixing this can be simple: a single egg, a cup of milk, or a small piece of meat can make all the difference to combatting malnutrition.

Meanwhile, populations are growing and urbanising faster here than anywhere else in the world. Demand for meat and dairy products is forecast to rise 300 percent by 2050.

Thankfully, evidence is already out there which proves that we don’t need to sacrifice a healthy environment to meet this rising demand.

Pastoralists in Senegal, for example, move their animals strategically to mimic natural grazing patterns, considering rainfall to prevent overgrazing. This not only improves biodiversity and soil quality, but also reduces dry vegetation and the growing threat of wildfires. To support, the Senegalese government has been providing our pastoralists with detailed weather data and forecasts to help them optimise grazing and manage their livestock more efficiently.

Working with communities in this way has been shown to reduce conflicts for land and water resources and restore landscapes.

Elsewhere in Africa, animal health interventions are demonstrating how better, not necessarily fewer, livestock is the answer to sustainability in the sector. East Coast fever vaccination programmes have reduced calf mortality up to 95 percent in some countries. More than 400,000 cattle have been saved in the past 25 years, reducing emissions up to 40 percent.

Moreover, new thermotolerant vaccines for the highly contagious viral disease peste des petits ruminants (PPR) – as demonstrated already in Mali – offer a promising way to curb the $147 million in annual losses of sheep and goat keepers across Africa. Boosting productivity among these climate-resilient animals will be essential for nourishing Africa’s rapidly growing population as climate change intensifies.

However, despite these successes, an important challenge remains. I have seen firsthand that many pastoralists, smallholders and subsistence farmers lack the knowledge and resources needed to access and implement these innovations. These groups account for the majority of Africa’s livestock keepers and must be reached for these innovations to realise their benefits at scale.

Two things are needed to bridge this gap. First, greater collaboration between policymakers, researchers, farmers and businesses can help us to better understand the challenges that livestock farmers face and help them to produce more, without compromising our environment.

For example, collaborative initiatives like the Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub launched by the International Livestock Research Institute are a way of showcasing practical ways for farmers to reduce their herds’ impact on the environment.

The second element is investment. For decades, despite the clear potential of high returns on investment, the livestock sector has suffered from a vast investment gap, receiving as little as 0.25 percent of overall overseas development assistance as of 2017. It must be made financially viable for livestock keepers to invest in technologies and approaches that raise productivity sustainably, or else this mission will not even get off the ground.

The upcoming World Bank Spring Meetings – where funding for development initiatives will be determined – presents a timely opportunity to kickstart this paradigm shift so that livestock is recognised within green financing frameworks.

African countries, in turn, must do their part by incorporating livestock into their national economic development plans and their climate action plans. This will help encourage funding streams from global investors and climate financing mechanisms, ultimately catalysing a multiplier effect of billions in livestock sustainability investment.

The solutions are within reach. What is needed now is the will to act decisively and unlock the continent’s unparalleled natural resource potential to build a future where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand.

Daouda Ngom is the Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition for Senegal

Nigeria endorses power sector road map, adopts National Integrated Electricity Policy

Michael Simire
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Nigeria endorses power sector road map, adopts National Integrated Electricity Policy

The Federal Government has formally ratified and adopted a road map for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) by approving the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP).

National grid
National grid lines

The policy, which had been ready since December 2024 and submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was ratified on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The policy is a comprehensive framework designed to transform Nigeria’s electricity sector in alignment with national development objectives and international best practices as mandated by Section 3(3) of the revised Electricity Act 2023. 

According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, quoting the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the policy implementation has already started and will now gain momentum with the President’s approval, while the impact would soon be felt.

He added that the Electricity Act 2023 requires the Federal Government through the Ministry of Power to initiate the process for the preparation and publication in the Federal Government’s gazette, an integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan, within one year of the commencement of the Electricity Act.

The Minister said: “The road map Policy addresses critical challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector through comprehensive framework for sector transformation with clear guidelines for sustainable power generation, transmission distribution as well as integration of renewable energy sources, its promotion, energy efficiency and enhancement of sector governance.”

He described the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 as a pivotal moment for the electricity sector as it signals a transformative change which has laid the foundation for NESI, thus enabling exponential socio-economic growth.

“This National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP) is a comprehensive roadmap developed to guide all stakeholders – the Federal and State Governments, market participants, investors, and indeed all Nigerians, through this transition.”

Adelabu said the preparation of the policy represents the collective efforts of the Ministry in collaboration with a wide cross-section of stakeholders across the public and private sectors at national and State levels, civil society organisations, academic institutions, captains of industry, donor partners, development institutions, private sector participants and consumer advocacy groups, to address the complex challenges faced by NESI, from infrastructure deficits, inadequate capital to regulatory inefficiencies.

“The NIEP is a very significant evolution from the National Electric Power Policy of 2001, which has been long overdue for replacement. The Policy outlines various initiatives to aid the growth and development of State Electricity Markets (SEMs). It fosters a decentralised but collaborative approach to energy management and resource planning. This policy is a living document that will evolve with the industry’s needs and challenges. It underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to consumer protection and engagement.”

The Policy is structured across eight chapters which comprehensively address the historical perspective of the Nigeria Electricity Sector, focus on key features of the Electricity Act 2023, Nigeria’s electricity Policy objectives, electricity market design, value chain analysis, stakeholders roles and responsibilities, climate change and low carbon economy initiatives, gender equality and social inclusion, local content development including research and development,  commercial, legal and regulatory frameworks.

Reps laud Lagos shoreline protection project, bridge security infrastructure

Michael Simire
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Reps laud Lagos shoreline protection project, bridge security infrastructure

The House of Representatives Committee on Works has expressed satisfaction with the Shoreline Protection project implementation at Marina in Lagos State.

Shoreline protection
Shoreline protection

The committee described the project as a crucial intervention.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Akin Alabi, gave the project a “pass mark” during an inspection on Monday, May 5, 2025.

He noted the importance of the project in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Alabi specifically highlighted that the completed work would protect the vital Blue Rail line and the Outer Marina Road.

 He urged the contractor to ensure the project would be completed swiftly.

“As you have heard, the last time this was done was over 40 years ago since it was put there.

“Because of lack of maintenance culture, there has not been subsequent maintenance, and we have got to this point where there has to be an intervention, else we are going to lose a lot of assets on this road,” Alabi said.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for prioritising the project.

He also acknowledged the diligent work of the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha.

On her part, Kesha explained that the Shoreline Protection project wa  30 per cent completed and was designed to secure the road and the Blue Rail Line for at least the next 25 years.

She said: “As of the moment, the percentage of permanent work that has been completed is about 30 per cent; so, it has about 70 per cent more to go, and then it still has time on its side.”

She emphasised the high quality of work being done, explaining the reinforcement strategy involving the existing and new concrete sheet piles to enhance the shoreline’s resilience.

“The quality of work here is top-notch. There is no compromise here.

“You can see that the existing sheet piles gave way. That was why we need to do another one and we are not doing away with the old one, which are the metal ones that we saw.

“We are doing another concrete behind it, and then we are connecting the two so that there is more rigidity, more connection between the old and the new. Then, this shoreline can be protected,” she said.

Kesha emphasised the long-term benefits of the project, saying that non-protection of the Outer Marina Road would make erosion to catch up with it  the next five to 10 years.

“With what we are doing here now, the lifespan of this road has increased by more than 25 years; so, in the next 25 years, and the investment of Lagos State as part of the Blue Rail Line – we will protect it. That is the whole essence of this.”

After inspecting the shoreline protection, the House Committee on Works inspected the security infrastructure installed under the Third Mainland Bridge.

The 24-hour surveillance facility covers the stretch from Oworonshoki to Falomo Bridge.

Alabi lauded the contractor and the Federal Ministry of Works for the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to significantly reduce crime in the area.

 He affirmed that the project demonstrated the responsible use of funds appropriated by the parliament.

“This is what we like to see. When parliament appropriates money, we want to see the results of the money we appropriated so that when you come back for more, we won’t have a reason to deny you,” Alabi said.

He conveyed the support of the Speaker of the House, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen.

“I am here speaking with the mandate of the Speaker, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, to ascertain the level of work here, and I have zero complaint.”

Alabi urged speedy completion of the remaining aspects of the security infrastructure, noting its potential impact on curbing criminal activities.

“That little part remaining, please do it as soon as possible.

“The bandits, the thieves, the terrible people – the bad people, they know that that part has not been done; so, they might want to concentrate their theft and illegal activities on that side.

“The earlier we complete it, the better. This is definitely going to reduce crime by a large percentage,” he said.

Responding, Kesha reiterated that the security infrastructure was an integral part of the ongoing upgrade of the Third Mainland Bridge, which was nearing completion.

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Activists urge victorious Australian leader to phase out fossil fuel production

Michael Simire
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Activists urge victorious Australian leader to phase out fossil fuel production

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, secured a second term after the Labour party won the federal elections on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Anthony Albanese
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

Pacific youth across Australia are reportedly heartened by the result after weeks of voter awareness campaigns for Pacific communities but will continue to hold the Albanese government accountable to their promises.

For instance, Jacynta Fa’amau, 350.org Pacific Campaigner, is of the view that Pacific communities voted on issues that matter to them, issues that align with their values.

“Young Pacific Islanders living in Australia know that the cost-of-living crisis is connected to the climate crisis and we deserve to have a future free of both,” Fa’amau stated, adding that the result is an indication that Australia isn’t falling prey to the divisive politics of the far right, “but there is still work to be done. Labour has made climate promises in the past and we intend to hold them accountable to these”.

According to Fa’amau, the returned Albanese government will aim for clean energy to provide more than 80% of power by 2030.

“While this election means Australia voted for renewable energy over dangerous nuclear tactics, we will continue to push the new government to take real action to phase out fossil fuel production. This starts by ending the approval of new coal and gas projects.

“This country remains one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, and this is Australia’s biggest contribution to the devastation of our island homes. The plans for renewable energy are encouraging, but Australian climate policy will still be grossly inadequate without phasing out fossil fuel production,” added Fa’amau.

World Hand Hygiene Day: Gloves do not replace hand hygiene – WHO

Michael Simire
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World Hand Hygiene Day: Gloves do not replace hand hygiene – WHO

Hand hygiene is said to be one of the most effective, affordable and universal tools available to prevent the transmission of infections and provide high-quality, clean and safe medical care.

Medical gloves
Medical gloves

While medical gloves serve a vital role in preventing transmission of infection, for example when there is risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, they are not a substitute for cleaning hands at the right time.

On the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) urges governments, health-care facilities, and frontline workers around the world to reinforce hand hygiene practices – a proven, cost-effective intervention to protect both patients and health-care workers.

“Medical gloves can reduce the risk of infection, but they are never a replacement for hand hygiene,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course. “On this World Hand Hygiene Day, let us double down on our commitment and action to improve hand hygiene in health care settings to ensure the safety of patients and health-care workers.”

Save lives, save money and reduce waste

Gloves are protective but not foolproof or without problems

Gloves can become contaminated just like hands and are often misused, such as being worn indefinitely while health workers switch between patients or when they are performing multiple procedures for the same patient. Additionally, overuse of gloves contributes to environmental degradation.

An average university hospital in a developed country generates 1634 tons of health-care waste each year, which is equivalent to over 360 African elephants. Much of the waste could have been avoided if gloves were used properly and good hand hygiene was practiced. Most used gloves are considered infectious and require high-temperature incineration or specialized treatment, adding strain to already burdened waste management systems.

Action needed now

WHO urges national policymakers and THE health community TO take the following actions to improve the rational use of gloves and hand hygiene in healthcare settings:

COP30: Kenyan youth commit to forest conservation, green economy

Michael Simire
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COP30: Kenyan youth commit to forest conservation, green economy

Young environmental leaders from across Kenya have issued a declaration reaffirming their central role in the country’s green transition and forest conservation agenda. The declaration was made during of a three-day AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop held in Kitui County under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.”

Kenyan youth
Kenyan youth

Conducted by the African Forest Forum in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the workshop is part of the continental build-up to COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil, where African youth will present their unified voice and policy recommendations on forestry, climate action, and sustainable development.

It provided a space for youth to co-develop practical solutions, enhance their skills in conservation and eco-preneurship, and advocacy in national and international forestry discourse.

The youth declaration outlines the challenges facing forest ecosystems in Kenya, ranging from climate change, limited inclusion of youth in policy-making, deforestation, to lack of access to funding and technical training. Despite these obstacles, young participants reaffirmed their readiness to lead through green innovation, community-based conservation, and forest-based entrepreneurship.

Their proposed solutions include tree nursery enterprises, digital storytelling for forest advocacy, carbon credit initiatives, climate-smart agroforestry, as well as timber and non-timber forest product enterprises and ecotourism.

“Young people are not just future leaders – they are today’s drivers of sustainability and innovation; we are ready to take charge in ensuring that our forests thrive while creating inclusive economic opportunities that benefit our communities and the planet,” the declaration states in part.

The AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative represents a dynamic intersection between Africa’s verdant forests and its vibrant youth population that is four times larger than Europe’s and as ripe with potential. By fusing traditional wisdom with science and digital tools, AY4F empowers youth aged 18–30 to transform environmental aspirations into practical actions that protect biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and generate green livelihoods.

The national workshop was aimed at translating scientific and indigenous knowledge into youth-led action, equipping youth with tools for sustainable forest management and conservation, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the green economy, and strengthening youth advocacy for policy influence and decision-making.

Despite being among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Africa’s youth are uniquely positioned to lead the green transition. Their digital proficiency, innovation, and grassroots knowledge and networks provides them the advantage to implement nature-based solutions at both local and global levels. Yet, their voices are often underrepresented in sustainability debates and policy forums.

“Our forests are not just natural resources; they’re our inheritance. And it’s our duty as youth to protect and restore them with both urgency and creativity,” said Esther Maina, one of the participants who is also the National Coordinator, Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network, a youth-led membership organization that galvanizes youth action to respond to pressing environmental challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution.

“Through the AfricanYouth4Forests project, we are connecting science and traditional knowledge with action, helping young people understand their role in forest governance and climate action. By integrating these, we create a holistic foundation for decision-making, innovation, and stewardship. This fusion empowers the youth to take informed action, preserve ecosystems, and design adaptive solutions that are both contextually relevant and scientifically sound, ensuring forests remain a source of livelihood, identity, and ecological balance for generations to come,” said Dr. Mutta, representing the AFF Executive Secretary-CEO, Prof. Labode Popoola.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Prof. Anders Roos and co-facilitator said that the AY4F initiative is more than a training – it’s a launchpad for youth-driven transformation. He added: “Through scientific understanding and creative problem-solving, African youth are being equipped to design forest solutions rooted in both innovation and local realities.”

The declaration issued strong calls to action: urging the Kenyan government to integrate youth in forestry governance, expand youth-focused green financing and training programs, and embed sustainable forest education across the curriculum particularly in tertiary education. The private sector, NGOs and development partners were urged to support youth with mentorship, technical support, storytelling platforms, and resources for enterprise incubation.

Speaking at the opening session, KEFRI Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jane Njuguna, said that forests are at the heart of Kenya’s environmental resilience and socio-economic future, noting that empowering young people to become stewards of our forests is no longer optional but an urgent necessity.

“This workshop ensures that the next generation not only understands our forests but also actively shapes how they are governed, restored, and sustained,” stated Dr. Njuguna.

Urging the youth to harness forest resources as a source of employment and economic contribution, AFF Consultant, Dr. Joshua Cheboiwo, noted that forests are more than just natural treasures but also powerful engines for job creation and economic growth.

“We encourage youth to harness the vast opportunities within forestry, from sustainable timber and non-timber products to ecotourism, beekeeping, and green innovation. With creativity and commitment, young people can turn forest resources into thriving enterprises that support livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations,” Cheboiwo said. 

Renewable energy key for global development policy – Reps Speaker

Michael Simire
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Renewable energy key for global development policy – Reps Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has described renewable energy as the cornerstone for global development policy.

Renewable energy
Dignitaries at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, in Lagos

Tajudeen disclosed this while declaring opening the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Lagos.

The event was organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the Parliamentary Development Programme.

The speaker described the conference as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s legislative journey.

“It affirms our resolve to contribute meaningfully to global energy reform and to create opportunities for economic growth, industrial innovation, and environmental resilience,” Tajudeen said.

He highlighted key legislative strides by the 10th House of Representatives to include: the creation of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy to guide national priorities and the recent tax reform bills eliminating Value Added Tax on renewable energy and compressed natural gas, among others.

He noted that Strategic Objective 8.5 of the House Legislative Agenda prioritises the transition to clean energy through private investment incentives, public health reforms in cooking energy, and emissions reduction.

Referencing global trends, the Speaker observed that, in 2024 alone, 585 gigawatts of renewable energy were added globally – accounting for over 92 per cent of new power capacity – with $1.7 trillion invested in clean energy technologies in 2023.

“What was once considered a fringe alternative is now the backbone of global power development.

“Nigeria must align with this trend to safeguard our economy and environment,” Tajudeen said.

The Speaker commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for passing the Electricity Act of 2023, which devolved power generation authority to sub-national entities, and for approving $1 billion in financing for rural solar expansion.

“Of this amount, $750 million has been allocated to expand solar energy access in underserved areas.

“As a result, this initiative has led to the deployment of 124  mini-grids and over 25,000 solar home systems, benefiting more than 200,000 people.

The Speaker also spotlighted Nigeria’s role in continental efforts such as the Mission 300 Initiative with the World Bank and African Development Bank, which seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

He called on all stakeholders – government, private sector, civil society – to act with purpose and clarity, stressing the importance of converting conference resolutions into actionable legislation, scalable technologies, and impactful investment.

“Let us not allow the momentum we have built to dissipate.

“This is our moment to lead, innovate, and build a sustainable energy future for Africa,” Tajudeen said.

The conference is a multi-stakeholder platform initiated by the House Committee on Renewable Energy.

It aims to foster dialogue, legislation, and partnerships to drive Nigeria’s transition to clean and inclusive energy systems.

The conference was attended by representatives of state governors and commissioners for environment from some states of the federation, among others.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Surveyors urge govt to prioritise assets valuation to attract investments

Michael Simire
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0
Surveyors urge govt to prioritise assets valuation to attract investments

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise credible valuation of national assets to attract investments.

Victor Alonge
NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge

The NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, made the call on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Abuja at a news conference on the 2025 International Valuation Day.

Alonge emphasised the importance of asset valuation in economic decision-making and financial stability, citing its role in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s resources for sustainable development.

According to him, credible valuation of national assets is crucial for effective national planning, financial reporting, and attracting local and foreign investments.

“Asset valuations that comply with the approved global standards foster investor confidence and significantly contribute to financial stability, both of which are essential for economic development.

“Valuations are necessary for assessing the values of tangible assets, businesses, intangible assets, and financial instruments,’’ he said

According to the NIESV President, credible valuation of national assets is also important for the success of the proposed tax reforms by the federal government.

He said that before imputing tax on an asset, there is the need to determine its true worth, its value, which must be firm and reliable.

“The value of the asset would indicate the percentage of tax you place on it.

“That makes the theme for 2025 International Valuation Day `Tax Reform for National Economic Prosperity: Why Valuation Matter’, critical and appropriate,’’ he said.

Alonge noted that the NIESV is a critical partner to government in the proposed tax reform regime.

He added that without the role and influence of NIESV within the Nigerian context, it would be very difficult for the nation to advance in economic development.

According to him, Estate Surveyors and Valuers are the only professionals trained and equipped with the analytical skill of determining the current or projected worth of an asset.

“It is therefore absolutely wrong, and illegal to give valuation jobs to non-estate surveying and valuation firms,’’ he said.

Alonge equally underscored the need to formulate and strengthen a national housing policy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, rents, price of building materials among others.

By Angela Atabo

Africa poised to become global leader as carbon markets expand in 2025 – Report  

Michael Simire
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Africa poised to become global leader as carbon markets expand in 2025 – Report  

Africa’s carbon markets, both for voluntary and compliance carbon credits, are expected to see rapid expansion in 2025 and succeeding years underpinned by the continent’s extensive natural resources and ecosystem. Equally important for African carbon markets is the demand for social integrity in carbon projects.

Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq
Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network

As the carbon market expands, there is increasing scrutiny of the social and ecological impacts of offset projects. Africa is in a unique position to lead the way in ensuring that carbon market growth aligns with the principles of climate justice.

Africa is poised to become a global leader in Carbon Markets with projected annual growth of 15% – 20% and 30 million jobs by 2030, with revenue expected to surge to $120 billion by 2050.

These are amongst the key findings of a new report, 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook, published on Monday, May 5, 2025, by the Africa Carbon Market Network. The formal launch of the Report will take place on Wednesday, May 14.

“African countries are taking ambitious steps to establish robust frameworks for carbon markets. The strengthening of policy frameworks with the introduction of carbon taxation, integrated emissions trading systems, and setting up of national registries are all significant drivers,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network.

The report highlights that countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana are leading the way in aligning their policies with global carbon pricing mechanisms. The private sector’s interest in Africa’s carbon markets is an undeniable trend for 2025.

International companies, climate finance institutions, and development banks are heavily investing in Africa’s carbon offset projects. Key sectors such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture and forest conservation are poised to attract substantial investments.

“We mustn’t underestimate the challenges,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq. “There is a pressing need for greater liquidity as smaller carbon projects often struggle to gain traction due to financing constraints. Many African nations also face technical barriers such as lack of infrastructure and expertise in carbon project development. The challenge is to ensure the democratisation of Africa’s carbon markets as regional integration deepens.

“We must provide the enabling conditions where smaller scale projects, especially those led by local communities, and small-holder farmers can have greater access to funding and resources. With the right investments, governance frameworks, and technological innovations, Africa is well positioned to become a global leader in carbon off-setting driving both climate mitigation and sustainable development.”

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