Oborevwori welcomes collaboration to mitigate climate change impact for Green and Blue Economy development in the Niger Delta

The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his readiness for collaborative  efforts geared towards mitigating climate change impact for Green and Blue Economy for development of the Niger Delta region.

Oborevwori stated this in Warri, Tuesday while launching the Network of Advancing Community Capacity to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts and Develop Green and Blue Economy in The Niger Delta Project.

The Project funded by the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria is a 2-year project implemented by Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW) in four (4) communities that are highly affected by climate change, environmental degradation and piracy in Bayelsa and Delta States.

Governor Oborevwori  who was represented by Dr. Barry Gbe, Chief Economic Adviser during the launch said: “Events that bring together both state actors and non-state actors, private sector and public sector to discuss way forward, to discuss developments, to discuss how to improve livelihoods will interest his Excellency so much. That is why this programme is taken seriously.

“I want to thank the organisers and their partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Governments and then, our NGO, NGOs are partners in progress. No  Government can do it alone when it comes to issues of development. We are excited when NGOs chose  to partner with us. So, I must thank you and by extension,  the partners.

“It's a topical issue that is  very interesting  to the world today.  Climate change is more than 80% or 90%, even in the rural communities, they now know about climate change. A lot of theories have pointed out to  what is the responsible for it, some talk about the ozone layer depletion by emissions while others, about  other natural effects.

“But it is good, we all come together to discuss the way forward. It is a risk that we cannot avoid. It is only something that we should endeavour to mitigate. Risk avoidance is impossible, risk mitigation is also possible. So also climate change avoidance is impossible. But mitigating it is possible.

“So, a gathering like this, where the focus is on the objective to  educate our communities, is very important. When you are faced with the reality, you take it head-on. We are faced with the reality of climate change. What do we do? We must build capacity on how each and every one of us can be knowledgeable enough to mitigate climate change, he added.

On the project, Menidin Isu, the  Programme  Manager said:  “The Advancing Community Capacity to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts and Develop Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta is 2-year Programmes. These communities can potentially develop Green and Blue economies in their areas.

“Therefore, the project aims at  promoting  sustainable practices in marine and terrestrial environments, emphasising conservation, resource management, and development of communities in the Niger Delta region.

“To achieve this vision, the project will pursue a bold approach to increasing community capacity and improving their knowledge, skills, and understanding of climate change impacts and adoption of Green and Blue economy practices, supportive community livelihood policies and behavioural change among community members, leading to the adoption of renewable energy technologies, climate-friendly agricultural practices and improved eco-system restoration.

“Academic Associate Peace Works will work with the target coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of climate change and develop a Green and Blue economy, provide information and training to community members on the potential benefits and opportunities of a Green and Blue economy.

“It will create opportunities for women to play significant roles in the project that will lead to a positive change in attitude towards women participation, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including the media, local and state governments, businesses, civil society organisations to advance community's  capacity building, he added.

High point of the event is the open forum discussion with network members and project communities with focus on emerging innovations/technologies in addressing climate change issues, after the launching by the Governor.