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SPP, DCC partner with Under2 Coalition to deepen state-level climate action

Michael Simire
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SPP, DCC partner with Under2 Coalition to deepen state-level climate action

Following the successful release of the second subnational climate ranking, the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, has taken another noteable step to strengthen subnational climate governance in Nigeria.

As part of its COP30 climate activities, SPP convened a strategic meeting between the Under2 Coalition Secretariat and senior state-level climate officials from across the country to discuss how to amplify the voice of Nigerian subnational actors at the global space as well as how to enable states to attract more finance to fund ambitious climate action.

SPP
Officials of SPP, DCC and Under2 Coalition at a meeting at COP30 in Brazil

The roundtable brought together Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director and Ms. Dolapo John of the DCC; Champa Patel and Toby Walker of the Climate Group, Under2 Secretariat; as well as representatives from Nigeria subnational: Engr Galadima, Director General, Green Initiative Project, Niger State; Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Environment; Mr Olamide Lawal, SA, Climate Change, Ogun State; Dr Dahir Hashim, Commissioner, Min of Environment and Climate Change, Kano; Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, DG and Special Envoy, Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Osun State; and the facilitator, Gboyega Olorunfemi, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).

With over 270 members, the Under2 Coalition largest global network of states and regions committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 – at the latest.

The Under2 Secretariat’s delegation made clear that Nigeria’s states represent major frontiers for climate action, both because of their large populations and because they shoulder the frontline impacts of extreme weather, deforestation, and energy transition challenges.

Champa Patel recalled the impact that some states such as Taraba and Cross River have had in previous international climate events including the June climate meetings in Bonn and the Africa Climate Week in Addis Ababa and stressed that the coalition is keen to work with SPP and the DCC to ensure that state governments have the visibility, coordination, and access they need to enter the “right rooms” at international summits.

Patel underscored that Under2 is increasingly shifting its focus toward technical assistance and financing support that will enable states to undertake feasibility studies, prepare bankable proposals, and access blended finance through international finance institutions.

She said that there will be series of investment dialogues planned through 2026, culminating in the launch of Global State and Regional Finance Accelerator to be showcased at COP31. This accelerator aims to match state-level climate projects with private and institutional capital that will provide a significant opportunity for Nigerian states seeking to scale renewable energy infrastructure, early-warning systems, adaptation solutions, and emissions-reduction pathways.

“We are excited about what is happening in Nigeria,” Patel said, “but we simply do not hear enough about it.”

Abiola-Awe echoed this sentiment, noting her Nigerian states are championing several innovations in climate governance (as shown through the recent ranking results) which other countries could copy. She also highlighted recent efforts to coordinate subnational climate governance in Nigeria including the inauguration of a Community of Practice (CoP) for all Commissioners of Environment supported by PACE, UK FCDO, during the launch of the 2nd edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states and a nationwide capacity-building programme for directors, and climate change desk officers on GHG emissions reporting, Monitoring and evaluation and climate finance facilitated by SPP.

Dr. Abiola-Awe pointed out that these platforms are not only ready for expansion across the rest of Africa and Global South but also can serve as entry points for deeper collaboration with the Under2 Coalition, especially for Special Advisers, Directors-General, and state envoys working on climate change and sustainable development.

With global financing frameworks increasingly recognising the role of subnational governments, Nigeria’s states stand on the edge of new opportunities. The strengthened relationship between the DCC, SPP, and the Under2 Secretariat offer great potential to unlock the visibility, coordination, and financing needed by the Nigerian subnational while ensuring that Nigeria’s climate leadership is felt not only nationally, but across global climate platforms in the years ahead.

In his closing remarks, Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead, SPP, who facilitated the meeting, thanked all participants for attending the meeting at short notice. He emphasised that Nigeria’s climate ambition, particularly at the state level, will advance more rapidly when global coalitions like Under2 have clear, direct, and institutionalised channels to work with local actors.

By Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead / Senior Policy Analyst, SPP, and Dolapo John, Subnational Desk, DCC, Belem, Brazil

Lagos unveils biofortified rice to address micronutrients deficiency

Michael Simire
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Lagos unveils biofortified rice to address micronutrients deficiency

The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Biofortified Blending Machine and Biofortified Rice to tackle growing micronutrient deficiencies in the state.

The launch of the Biofortified Rice was held at the Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, Ikorodu on Friday, November 28, 2025.

The biofortified blending machine is the sixth of its kind in the country.

Biofortified rice
Lagos State Government officials display the biofortified rice

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the milestone achievement was possible due to the visionary leadership of the governor  in enhancing food sustainability in the state.

“Today, we mark another key milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhance food and nutrition security for the people of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Thanks to the visionary leadership of our Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is now home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art milling technology and expert knowledge.

“We take immense pride in producing some of the finest rice in Nigeria, and today, we are pushing this legacy even further.

“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice.

“This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12,” Fashola said.

He added that the state would address the pressing issue of malnutrition which remains a challenge in the country.

“This is no small feat. By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the demands of the growing demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians.

“We are proud to be part of a solution that can make a tangible difference in improving the nutritional quality of food available to our people,” the special adviser said.

Also, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary, at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, said the Lagos State Government has taken strategic step to ensure food security and sustainability over the years.

“This rice mill is known as the Rolls Royce of all rice mills globally.

“And we thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu for investing so much in terms of resources and oversight to ensure that this rice mill remains top notch and remains number one.

“This event that we have here today is another milestone to the fact that Lagos State Government will not rest upon its oars, but will continue to strive for excellence in every form and in every sector of the economy.

“Further, I would like to speak to all our women that when you go out there to the market to buy rice, there is only one brand of rice that you should look out for. Look out for the Eko Rice brand.

“The Fortified rice, the Classic rice, and, of course, the Eko Rice itself. These are top quality products that you can consume for your health and well-being,” Audu said.

On her part, the Special adviser to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Health, Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by Mrs. Sarah Balogun, said the biofortified rice is a commendable achievement of the government.

“I extend my congratulations to the entire commission, as you launch the newly formulated rice.

“This initiative is truly commendable, and it will help to conquer some of the nutrition deficiency faced in our communities.

“It will also go a long way in supporting healthier living and improving food quality. May this effort continue to yield positive impact and greater achievements ahead,” Ogunyemi said.

By Mercy Omoike

Africa faces cholera, Mpox, other emergencies amid funding boost

Michael Simire
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Africa faces cholera, Mpox, other emergencies amid funding boost

Africa is confronting multiple high-burden health emergencies, including widespread cholera outbreaks, rising Mpox cases and active viral haemorrhagic fever events.

These emergencies are, however, happening as the continent is receiving major global financing to strengthen pandemic preparedness.

Prof. Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, made the remarks on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the continent’s virtual weekly press briefing.

Yap Boum
Dr Yap Boum, Africa CDC’s deputy incident manager.

Boum, who said Africa remains a “high-threat environment,” commended governments and partners for aligning around the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.

He noted that “progress is only possible when we deliver at scale and keep Africa’s people at the centre of our work.”

Boum said Africa received $234 million, representing 47 per cent of all approved funds under the Fund’s Third Call for Proposals, at the recent Pandemic Fund Board Meeting in Kigali.

He said Africa CDC also secured an additional $40 million to scale up cross-border surveillance, regional coordination and community-level monitoring in high-risk countries.

“Senegal, Cameroon, South Sudan, Angola, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Malawi were among the countries awarded new financing for enhanced health security,” he said.

He said that Africa CDC reported over 308,935 cholera cases and 7,131 deaths in 2025, marking a sharp rise from previous years.

“Five countries, South Sudan, Sudan, DRC, Angola, and Nigeria, accounted for nearly 88 per cent of all cholera cases.

“Angola, Kenya, Mozambique and Burundi experienced significant surges in epidemiological weeks 41–46, with Angola alone reporting more than 34,000 cases and 877 deaths this year,” he said.

According to him, Mpox outbreak remains widespread, with Africa recording 132,008 suspected cases and 40,138 confirmed cases in 2025, more than double the 2024 figures.

“Sierra Leone, however, has recorded a 99 per cent decline, reaching 31 days without a confirmed case, while Liberia remains the main driver of recent increases,” he said.

He disclosed that a new Mpox case was confirmed this week in Mali, prompting immediate activation of surveillance and laboratory readiness.

“Ethiopia continues to manage a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Jinka town, with 12 confirmed cases, seven deaths, and ongoing contact tracing and active case search.

“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak is nearing closure with no new confirmed cases since September 27, and only four days left to complete the mandatory 42-day countdown towards official declaration of outbreak termination.

“Namibia also reported a confirmed and fatal case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), triggering immediate emergency response,” he said.

He highlighted a major health workforce gap, revealing that Africa currently has only half of the 2 million community health workers required to ensure strong primary healthcare and early outbreak detection.

“A recent BMJ Global Health article authored by senior Africa CDC officials warns that fragmented and underfunded CHW programmes are undermining the continent’s health security,” he said.

He said that more than 4.8 million Mpox vaccine doses had so far been delivered to 16 countries, with over 1.9 million people vaccinated.

“Kenya and Liberia are expected to receive additional doses in early December, while Mozambique commenced roll-out on Nov. 27,” he added.

He urged partners to sustain investment and coordination, stressing that increasing climate-linked outbreaks, weak water and sanitation systems, and strained health infrastructure continue to stretch national capacities.

“We must expand surveillance, scale community health worker programmes, and strengthen emergency operations.

“Africa needs stronger systems, smarter investments and deeper collaboration,” he said.

By Abujah Racheal

NESREA seals Ogun recycling facilities, Abuja quarry

Michael Simire
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NESREA seals Ogun recycling facilities, Abuja quarry

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, has sealed six recycling facilities in Ogijo community in the state.

The facilities include Hanuchi Manufacturing Ltd, BPL Nigeria Ltd, Metal Manufacturing Nig. Ltd, Vendanta Nigeria Ltd, African Non-Ferrous Industrial Ltd, and True Metal Nig. Ltd.

According to a statement on Thursday, November 27, 2025, by Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, they were shut down for failing to comply with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.

Innocent Barikor
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA

The statement added that the facilities also failed to adhere to the related protocol designed to ensure the safe management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB).

Ejiofor explained that the regulations and protocol are aimed at protecting public health and the environment from the hazards of improper battery recycling.

She added that the regulations were developed to ensure environmentally sound management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) and safeguard public health.

“Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible manner,” she said.

She added that the protocol also prioritises staff health and safety, including annual blood lead testing and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Ejiofor noted that NESREA, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and other partners, had conducted extensive assessments and sensitisation of operators on international best practices in the recycling sector.

She said the exercises were carried out under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET).

Meanwhile, NESREA has shut down Cornerstone, a facility managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse, Abuja.

According to Ejiofor, the facility was closed on Wednesday after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School and damaged school property.

Ejiofor said students were writing exams around 12:30 pm when a loud bang sent rocks flying, destroying school buildings.

Eleven students and two staff were injured, with nearby shops also affected.

Glory Uboh, NESREA’s Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring, said the closure was necessary because the quarry violated the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.

“What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility,” Uboh said.

She added, “Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradictions to quarry operating procedures and regulations.

“We will continue our investigations, and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.”

By Doris Esa

Stakeholders expedite actions to conserve nature through biodiversity financing

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders expedite actions to conserve nature through biodiversity financing

Stakeholders are expediting actions to conserve nature through Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) to sustain livelihoods in the country.

They made the commitment on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Abuja at the official launch of the Nigeria Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the theme: “Unlocking Private Sector Engagement for the implementation of the NBSAP”.

Mrs. Halima Bawa-Bwari, the Director of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, said that Nigeria would take a decisive step toward securing the future of forests, ecosystems, and the invaluable biodiversity that sustains life and livelihoods across the nation.

Halima Bawa-Bwari
Mrs. Halima Bawa-Bwari, the Director of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment

Bawa-Bwari, who was represented by Dr Awuyo Christopher, the Deputy Director of Forestry in the ministry, said forests are living systems that regulate the climate, protect watersheds, provide food and medicine, and serve as the backbone of rural economies.

“Yet, they face unprecedented pressures from unsustainable exploitation, land-use change, and climate variability.

“The urgency to act has never been greater. NBSAP provides us with a clear roadmap to conserve, sustainably use, and equitably share the benefits of biodiversity BIOFIN complements this vision by mobilising innovative financing solutions ensuring that our commitments are not only aspirational but achievable,” she said.

She said that, through BIOFIN, the federal government would bridge the financing gap for biodiversity conservation, strengthen partnerships between government, private sector, civil society, and local communities.

This, she added, would promote sustainable forestry practices that balance ecological integrity with economic growth, and empower communities as custodians of biodiversity, ensuring they benefit directly from conservation efforts.

“It may interest you to know that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its commitment to biodiversity conservation.

“Through the NBSAP, our nation has pledged to integrate biodiversity financing into national development planning, strengthen institutional frameworks, and mobilise both domestic and international resources.

“This commitment is reflected in: Increased budgetary allocations to forestry and conservation programmes, partnerships with development partners to unlock innovative financing mechanisms.

“Mainstreaming biodiversity into key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, Community-driven initiatives that ensure local custodians benefit directly from conservation efforts,

“This initiative is not just about funding; it is about transforming the way we value nature. It is about recognising that investing in biodiversity is investing in our collective future, our health, our prosperity, and our resilience as a nation,” she said.

Mrs. Oluwasooto Ajayi of Africa Lead, Business For Nature, emphasised the need to unlock finance for the project to have an economy that recognises the foundation of biodiversity.

Mrs. Sikeade Egbuwalo, Biodiversity Desk Officer in the ministry, said that, through BIOFIN, Nigeria’s NBSAP can be adequately financed by mobilising more public and private sector investments, unlocking new revenue streams, and aligning economic incentives with conservation.

Mr. Eugene Itua Sustainability Expert, Natural Eco Capital, advocated for funding to enhance biodiversity for development in the country.

By Abigael Joshua

ActionAid marks 25 years of advocacy, community impact

Michael Simire
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ActionAid marks 25 years of advocacy, community impact

Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, says the organisation’s 25-year journey has been driven by a commitment to challenge injustice, empower marginalised groups and promote inclusive, community-led development efforts across the country.

Mamedu said this on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at ActionAid’s 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja, where partners, board members and community representatives gathered to reflect on the organisation’s national impact, achievements and growth since its establishment.

“We began with a clear conviction that poverty is not natural and that exclusion must be dismantled,” he said, emphasising that the organisation remained firmly focused on addressing systemic barriers affecting vulnerable people nationwide.

Andrew Mamedu
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu

According to him, true development is more than charity; it happens when power shifts from the privileged to the marginalised.

Mamedu reaffirming ActionAid’s commitment to transformative, rights-based development grounded in fairness, dignity, justice and community participation.

“We have chosen to stand with women denied their rights, youth denied their voices and communities denied opportunities,” he said, noting ActionAid’s consistent advocacy aimed at expanding inclusion, representation and social protection for disadvantaged groups.

“Our work spans all 36 states, from supporting more than two million smallholder women farmers to networks like the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, which now has more than a thousand members nationwide.

“We have also championed women’s land rights, promoted sustainable agriculture, strengthened governance accountability and empowered young people to engage meaningfully in democracy,” he said, highlighting ActionAid’s broad-based interventions supporting inclusive national development.

Also speaking, Rabi Isma, Chair of the ActionAid Nigeria Board, said the 25-year milestone was both a celebration and a moment of reflection for an organisation committed to justice, community empowerment and sustainable national progress.

“Five years is a remarkable milestone in the lifetime of any organisation, and for ActionAid Nigeria, this is a moment to celebrate and reflect on our growth from a modest country programme to a full-fledged affiliate.

“At every stage, we have remained steadfast in our mission, working with people living in poverty and exclusion so they can claim their rights and live in dignity,” Isma said, reaffirming ActionAid’s development-focused mandate.

“Through partnerships, accountability and solidarity, ActionAid Nigeria has built a reputation of principled advocacy, people-centred development and feminist leadership,” she said.

Isma emphasised the organisation’s consistent approach to promoting equity and addressing structural inequalities.

“These are real stories of transformation that give meaning to our work and inspire us to continue,” she said, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration, community resilience and strategic interventions supporting long-term social impact.

In his remarks, former presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi congratulated ActionAid Nigeria on its 25th anniversary, stating he was delighted to celebrate the organisation’s 25 years of action, impact, service and unwavering national advocacy.

“Mine is a very simple message, to say big congratulations to this family, ActionAid, who are celebrating 25 years of action, impact, service and advocacy in our country.

“This anniversary is a celebration of purpose and of what can be achieved when an institution is committed to human capital, to a just society and to a fairer society, which we have all been part of,” Obi said.

The anniversary highlights included a book launch, presentation of awards to outstanding staff and partners, and a posthumous award to Mr. John Moru, who served as ActionAid’s Governance Team Leader in 2005.

The award was received by his wife, Abiemwense Moru, and daughter, Kylie John-Moru, who expressed gratitude to ActionAid Nigeria for the recognition of his work.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has praised ActionAid Nigeria for its 25 years of action, service, and transformative work across Nigeria.

Idris gave the commendation at the 25th Anniversary of ActionAid Nigeria in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, on Friday, November 28, in Abuja.

“For a quarter of a century, ActionAid has taken development to the frontlines, empowering women and girls, strengthening education, improving healthcare, advocating for governance reforms, supporting communities during crises, and amplifying the voices of the most vulnerable.

“ActionAid must be praised for its innumerable responses to challenging humanitarian situations and grassroots empowerment work that have shaped policy and community development in profound and measurable ways in Nigeria.

“Today, we gather to honour this legacy and to look toward the next chapter,” Idris said.

The minister highlighted two symbolic milestones at the event; the launch of the AAN@25 Legacy Book and the unveiling of the ActionAid building prototype.

He described them as “a strong signal of organisational growth and long-term presence in Nigeria.”

According to Idris, this forward-looking investment reflects ActionAid’s commitment to deepening its contribution to our nation over the next 25 years and beyond.

He stressed that such milestones deserved collective applause of all Nigerians.

On the misconceptions about Nigeria abroad, Idris stressed that the country was not a violator of religious freedom and reaffirmed that such freedoms were clearly guaranteed in the constitution.

He acknowledged the extant security challenges in the country but emphasised that government efforts were yielding positive results.

Idris cautioned against narratives that mischaracterise Nigeria and strain its relations with its partners, particularly the United States.

He urged civil society groups to help correct these misrepresentations by applying evidence-based insights into the Nigerian situation that allow them to take a constructive and leading role in reshaping the false narratives.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment and responsibility to protecting all the citizens including children.

“Our children must be safe in their schools, safe in their communities, and safe in their homes.

“President Bola Tinubu recently declared a national emergency on security.

“The emergency measures include new recruitment into security agencies, support for state-level security outfits, and a push for legislative action towards establishing state police,” Idris said.

He described the declaration as a turning point in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He called on CSOs to deepen their support for open governance, media freedom, digital literacy, and community development.

Idris affirmed that ActionAid’s contributions in these areas remained “complementary and invaluable” to national progress. 

By Obaje Daniel and Collins Yakubu-Hammer

From Samarkand to the world: CoP20 sets out to define next chapter in wildlife trade

Michael Simire
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From Samarkand to the world: CoP20 sets out to define next chapter in wildlife trade

Once a vital artery of exchange across continents, the Silk Road is now the setting for a different kind of global dialogue: the future of the world’s wildlife: In a historic first for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CITES CoP20), known as the World Wildlife Conference, officially opened on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, transforming the ancient Central Asian city into a centre of global conservation diplomacy. 

Hosted by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the opening ceremony featured vibrant traditional Uzbek music and dance performances. The segment underscored its pride in hosting this landmark event, bringing to life the official slogan of the meeting “CITES at 50 in Samarkand: Bridging Nature and People.”

CITES CoP20
CITES CoP20 plenary session

In his opening remarks, Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and CITES CoP20 President emphasised Uzbekistan’s prioritisation of the sustainable use of wildlife resources, stating: “The declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy in Uzbekistan’ reflects our strategic commitment to environmental sustainability and to transitioning to a green, resource-efficient development model…Uzbekistan is confidently emerging as one of the leading countries in the region and globally in addressing environmental challenges.”

CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, followed with an invitation to the nearly 3,000 participants to join her in celebrating 50 years since the Convention entered into force, remarking: “Samarkand, a city that for centuries stood as a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and trade, is a symbol of connection, dialogue, and cooperation – the very values that define CITES. We also celebrate five decades of tireless work by Parties to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. That principle is as relevant today as it was in 1975 – perhaps even more so.”

The Secretary-General also announced the Winners and Finalists of the CITES 50th Anniversary Photo Contest, whose photographs were submitted under four categories that called on the CITES global community of photographers to capture the essence of the Convention’s wild species of animals and plants, people, partnerships and youth perspectives.

The meeting moved swiftly through several foundational agenda items in preparation for the intensive negotiations to follow. Parties elected the Chair, Alternate Chair, and Vice-Chairs of the meeting, establishing the leadership that will guide the proceedings. They then adopted the agenda and Working Programme, setting the roadmap for the two weeks of discussion.

The plenary also reviewed and adopted the Rules of Procedure, laying out the framework for how decisions will be taken. It then proceeded to the admission of observers, ensuring broad and inclusive participation in the deliberations.

Attention then turned to reports from the Standing Committee, the Animals Committee and the Plants Committee. Delegates also considered proposals aimed at addressing the workload and enhancing the efficiency of the Convention by establishing a process under the permanent Committees, an issue of growing importance as the scope of CITES continues to expand.

Following the morning’s plenary discussions, delegations convened in the afternoon for regional meetings to agree on regional representation in the Standing Committee, laying the groundwork for coordination and consensus-building within and across regions as negotiations move forward.

With these initial procedural steps completed, CoP20 now begins the substantive phase of its work. Over the next two weeks, Parties will consider proposals to amend the CITES Appendices, examine the conservation status of a wide array of species, and review measures designed to enhance compliance, strengthen enforcement cooperation and advance the implementation of the CITES Strategic Vision 2030. Discussions will also touch on the sustainability of trade in key terrestrial and aquatic species, alongside efforts to reinforce reporting systems, improve national legislation, and address the gaps that threaten conservation outcomes.

With a shared sense of purpose filling the halls of the Silkroad Samarkand Expo Centre, CoP20 has begun – with the collective resolve to forge a more sustainable future for the world’s natural heritage.

The decisions made at Samarkand will reinforce global commitments to supporting the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to bridging nature and people for generations to come.

Ministers, mayors unite in Belém to advance climate action through urbanisation

Michael Simire
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Ministers, mayors unite in Belém to advance climate action through urbanisation

The high-level closing plenary of the fourth Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change marked a historic moment for cities and regions at COP30, bringing together ministers, mayors, governors, community leaders, and global partners to reaffirm the central role of urbanisation in accelerating climate action.

Co-hosted by the COP30 Presidency, Brazil’s Ministry of Cities and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the meeting brought together ministers, mayors, governors, civil society, and global partners to chart a course for multilevel implementation. Originally scheduled for a press conference, the event’s outcomes were shared directly from the plenary following a precautionary evacuation of the venue.

Anaclaudia Rossbach
Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach

The meeting marked the culmination of the Urban Days at COP30 and was organised in collaboration with UNFCCC, the Local2030 Coalition, the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency, CHAMP partners, and the Baku Continuity Coalition.

COP30 President Ambassador, André Corrêa do Lago, reaffirmed the need to place cities at the centre of climate negotiations, with particular emphasis on adaptation efforts.

UN-Habitat Executive Director, Anacláudia Rossbach, reaffirmed the critical role of local entities in implementing climate agreements. “We know that the goals of the Paris Agreement cannot be achieved without local, urban, and multilevel climate action – and without your commitment: governors, mayors, and communities,” she said.

Key outcomes of the meeting included:

  • Ministers and mayors agreed on concrete steps to strengthen coordination across national, regional, and local levels – including mechanisms to localise NDCs locally, expand access to climate finance, and scale up integrated action in cities.
  • New analysis from UN-Habitat shows cities are now at the heart of national climate plans (NDC 3.0), with the number of plans featuring strong urban content nearly doubling – and a clearer focus on implementation across housing, transport, and finance.
  • Participants called for greater role of local and regional governments as key partners in implementing the Paris Agreement goals and ensuring urban priorities are embedded in future climate action.

The meeting also highlighted the impact of ongoing initiatives such as CHAMP (Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships), SURGe (Sustainable Urban Resilience for the Next Generation), and Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) to Resilient and Healthy Cities, showing how coordinated urban action can accelerate climate results.

The closing plenary reaffirmed that cities and regions are indispensable to the implementation of NDCs 3.0 and to bridging the gap between global ambition and local action. By aligning the climate and urban agendas, participants charted a pathway for more equitable, inclusive, and resilient urban futures.

The outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting will inform the broader COP30 negotiation agenda and feed into global discussions leading up to the World Urban Forum in Baku, ensuring continuity across presidencies and reinforcing the call for sustained investment in cities and communities as engines of climate solutions.

GCF leaves COP30 ready to ramp up climate finance

Michael Simire
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GCF leaves COP30 ready to ramp up climate finance

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) concluded its activities at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, prepared to ramp up its operations to help implement the new global goal for adaptation finance.

Among the key COP30 outcomes were the decision to triple adaptation finance by 2035 and the confirmation of the broader goal to mobilise $1.3 trillion in climate finance per year by the same date. GCF’s efficiency reforms have already resulted in a record volume of programming in 2025, and the Fund is now well-positioned to scale up its operations to respond to the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation climate finance.

GCF began the conference – dubbed the “Implementation COP” – by showcasing its ability to deliver climate finance at scale, reflecting on a record year in which the Fund programmed $3.26 billion in new climate finance. GCF’s portfolio now includes 336 projects, representing $19.3 billion in GCF resources and $78.7 billion when expected co-financing is included.

Mafalda Duarte
GCF Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte

Several senior government officials – from both developed and developing countries – reaffirmed GCF’s central role in climate finance. Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, described GCF as a global hub where public trust meets private innovation.

“Together, we can make the second decade of the Green Climate Fund one of acceleration, leverage, and lasting impact,” she stated.

Ministers from Togo and Papua New Guinea also praised GCF’s contributions and called for continued collaboration to meet urgent climate needs.

Launch of investment platforms

At the conclusion of COP30, GCF showcased its support for a total of 15 new country and regional platforms, which were announced in collaboration with the Fund. With the announcement of the Brazil and Caribbean platforms a few months ago, GCF intends to support 17 such platforms. The platforms are set to drive country-led climate and nature-based solutions.

At a time when climate impacts are accelerating, and global finance is falling short, these announcements represent a significant and coordinated effort to support countries in leading the planning, financing, and delivery of their own climate action. The platforms will help governments turn national priorities into investable pipelines, deploy finance more effectively, and speed up the implementation of projects and policies. The platforms will be supported by GCF’s Readiness Programme, the world’s largest climate finance capacity building initiative.

GCF.10: A decade of climate impact

GCF support to the platforms will draw on many of the lessons in an overview of its GCF.10 Impact Report – titled “A decade of global climate: Building resilience, transforming lives” – unveiled at COP30. The report marks 10 years since the Fund’s first projects were approved in 2015, on the eve of the adoption of the Paris Agreement.

The GCF.10 Impact Report was launched at the high-level side event, “GCF.10: A decade of climate impact,” where GCF partners and stakeholders reflected on the scale and reach of GCF’s finance in pursuit of the Fund’s three main goals of delivering capital at scale, strengthening national institutions, and partnering for greater climate impact.

Programming news

One of the major new GCF partnerships announced at COP30 was the Climate Resilient Enduring Earth (CREE) initiative, a collaboration between the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). GCF committed $2.4 million in Project Preparation Facility support (as part of a total $4.5 million in support from all partners) to develop proposals aimed at increasing the climate resilience of nature and people in Botswana, Namibia, Guatemala, and Bolivia.

CREE seeks to permanently conserve up to 85 million hectares of new land and water through the demarcation of new protected/ conserved areas and/ or greatly enhanced management of existing such areas. For perspective, this is larger than the combined size of the UK and France.

GCF signed a memorandum of understanding with Just Climate to mobilise private institutional capital for climate solutions in emerging markets. The Fund also signed project agreements with the Accredited Entities, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, for the recently approved Glaciers to Farm Programme and the Resilient Water Infrastructure Facility, respectively.

The Fund launched its Locally Led Climate Action (LLCA) Framework and Guidance, which will boost locally led adaptation efforts. The Framework aligns GCF and partners on LLCA best practices to increase investments that support devolved decision-making and finance, local ownership and implementation, scalability and sustainable local capacities. 

New commitments and collaborations

GCF joined the Belém Call to Action for the Congo Basin Forests and announced a commitment of $300 million over the next five years to protect one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hubs. The commitment will consist of a mix of support and investment modalities for the Congo Basin, with a focus on six countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

As an indication of GCF’s focus on enhancing its support for climate-vulnerable communities, the Fund reaffirmed its commitment to increasing access to climate finance for Indigenous Peoples. GCF also joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as the Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Human-Centered Climate Action was adopted at COP.

In a landmark move towards greater coherence within the overall architecture of climate finance, GCF joined forces with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Adaptation Fund to launch the Multilateral Climate Funds Joint Results Report 2025. This initiative aligns shared result areas and indicators across mitigation, adaptation, energy, and nature, laying the groundwork for more transparent and collaborative climate finance delivery.

Moving forward

GCF approaches the start of its next fundraising cycle (replenishment) in late 2026, well-positioned to leverage its unique role as the primary operating entity of the financial mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Its reforms have revamped the accreditation process, and improved efficiency and access to finance. As the Fund prepares to roll out a regional presence, it is set to move even closer to countries.

Lagos targets global waterfront appeal with new policies, infrastructure

Michael Simire
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Lagos targets global waterfront appeal with new policies, infrastructure

The Lagos State Government says it is intensifying waterfront development to position the city as an all-year-round tourist destination with new policies and infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, said this on the sidelines of a tourism event on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Lagos.

The event, “Tourism Stakeholders Engagement Summit”, was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Lagos tourism
Dignitaries at the tourism event on Thursday in Lagos

The theme is “Unlocking the Potential and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos”.

Alebiosu said the government aimed at making the Lagos experience stand out globally.

According to him, the government is giving ongoing reclamation projects more character so they can be more globally competitive.

He said the waterfront development would mirror global standards seen in other places like Dubai and Spain.

“There has to be a reason why people will visit Lagos all year round,” he said.

Alebiosu said the government was introducing new infrastructure, including the first boardwalk in Lagos, the first fish market undergoing renovation and high-capacity concrete pontoons.

“It hasn’t been done before. Now we just introduced that.

“So, just to mention a few, these are some of the things we’re looking at injecting into the system in order for the dynamics to change.”

A boardwalk is a walkway made of wooden boards, most commonly found along a beach or shore.

It provides a firm surface for pedestrians to walk on, especially over soft or wet ground like sand, and can also be built in natural areas like wetlands, marshes, or parks to allow access without disturbing the environment.

While pontoons are buoyant, flat-bottomed floats used to support a structure on water, commonly found on flat-decked boats, floating bridges, and seaplanes.

Alebiosu said the reforms were a blend of physical upgrades and new policies.

He explained that collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism was key, as it would give the projects more character and ensure the state achieved its intended service delivery.

By Joan Odafe

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