Director General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr Joseph Onoja, has emphasized the need for community-led initiatives in addressing the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
Speaking at a Citizens Conversation Webinar with the theme, “Climate change and United Nations Conference of the Parties(COP) engagements: Opportunities and Possibilities for Nigeria, the Niger – Delta Region, Delta State and the Citizens”, Dr. Onoja noted that the NCF has been working with local communities to build their capacity to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve their livelihoods.
The webinar which was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society was in collaboration with the Advocates of the Global Goals and Citizens Greater Good Initiative (AGGCGGI)Â respectfully invites you to a Citizens Conversation Webinar
Onoja said, “We cannot afford to ignore the role of local communities in the fight against climate change. They are the ones who are most affected by the impacts of climate change, and they have the knowledge and expertise to develop effective solutions. Our approach is to empower local communities to take ownership of their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.”
Dr. Onoja also highlighted the NCF’s efforts in supporting community-led initiatives in the Niger Delta region, where flooding and coastal erosion are major concerns.
“We are working with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods, restore degraded habitats, and promote climate-resilient agriculture,” he said.
“The NCF has been working with local communities in the Niger Delta to develop innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change.”
“For example, the foundation has supported the development of climate-resilient agriculture practices, such as floating gardens and aquaponics, to help communities adapt to rising sea levels and increased flooding.”
In addition, the NCF has worked with local communities to develop early warning systems for flooding and coastal erosion, using a combination of traditional knowledge and modern technology. “We are also supporting communities to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, such as sea walls and levees, to protect their homes and livelihoods,” Dr. Onoja said.
Also, the Converner of Advocates of the Global Goals and Citizens Greater Good Initiative (AGGCGGI), Civicist Rex Anighoro, noted that the issue of Climate Change was real and not a fluke nor scam and showed its continued devastating effects, giving specific accounts of its impact in many of our communities.
Anighoro, therefore, called for increased and aggressive citizen engagement, awareness creation, and advocacy on the issue of climate change and sought to make the pursuit of climate action more citizen-centric especially for kids, teens, and the aged with young people as the driving force.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Godknows Igali, a renowned environmental advocate, expressed concerns about the devastating impacts of climate change on delta communities worldwide.
“The Deltas are facing a double jeopardy, with floodwater coming from both the ocean and the river systems,”
Ambassador Igali said. “We need to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of these communities and provide dedicated support and funding to help them adapt to the changing climate.”
Ambassador Igali further highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis, stating that “we cannot afford to work in silos.
“We need to unite and support each other in the fight against climate change.” He also emphasized the need for climate justice, noting that “climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a social justice issue. We need to ensure that the most vulnerable communities are not left behind in the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The NCF and Ambassador Igali’s comments come as the “Deltas Unite” coalition prepares to present its case for a special United Nations Convention on the deltas at the upcoming COP 29 conference in Dubai. The coalition, which represents delta communities from around the world, is calling for dedicated support and funding to help these communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“We need to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of delta communities and provide them with the support they need to thrive in a changing climate,” Dr Onoja said. “This includes funding for climate-resilient infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and early warning systems for flooding and coastal erosion.”
The “Deltas Unite” coalition is also calling for greater recognition of the role of local communities in addressing the climate crisis. “We need to empower local communities to take ownership of their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts,” Ambassador Igali said. “This includes supporting community-led initiatives and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”
As the world prepares for the COP 29 conference in Dubai, the NCF and the “Deltas Unite” coalition are urging governments and international organizations to take action to support delta communities worldwide. “We cannot afford to wait,” Dr. Onoja said. “We need to act now to protect the livelihoods and homes of millions of people living in delta communities around the world.”
Ambassador Dr. Goodknows Igali made case for more Civil Society participation at International engagements, especially the United Nations Conference of the Parties, and showed participants how to access funding opportunities to attend. He spoke about a forthcoming international engagement with the People of the Deltas.
Barr Titilope Gbemisola Akosa called for more proactive Civil Society engagement in the pursuit of Climate Justice and how to ensure that Nigeria benefits from Climate Finance and Loss and Damage Funds.
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