Bauchi ACReSAL Moderates Panel on Climate Change and Actions in Nigeria.
By Adamu IMAM Bauchi
The State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr. Ibrahim Kabir moderated a panel discussion at the Local Conference of Youths (LCOY 2024) focused on climate change.
The conference, themed "Building Bridges for Climate Action: Uniting Youth Voices Across Nigeria," brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, youth and women groups, development partners, civil society organizations, student unions, and environmental activists. The event provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge aimed at addressing Nigeria's ongoing environmental challenges.
As a professional and environmental expert, Dr. Kabir who contributed significantly to the discussion, underscoring the critical role of knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative actions in mitigating the impacts of climate change, also highlighted ACReSAL's initiatives in Bauchi State, particularly the "One Person, One Tree" afforestation campaign, which promotes tree planting, ownership, and nurturing to maturity.
The SPC further briefed attendees on the government's efforts including the establishment of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Framework (MSWMF), the removal of unsuitable waste collection centers, the introduction of service providers, and efforts to revive the waste recycling plant and ACReSAL effort in bringing interventions in that regards.
The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Environment in Bauchi State, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmad Kawule who served as the Special Guest at the event, praised the organizers for choosing Bauchi as the venue and reiterated the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir's commitment to supporting environmental initiatives, climate change mitigation, and sustainability.
During the panel discussion, experts emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing climate change, encouraging collaborative actions, innovative ideas, grassroots involvement, and community awareness. Other key topics included funding and its judicious use, climate-smart agriculture, renewable and alternative energy sources, local innovations, affordable technology, and impact assessments to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
Panelists shared their experiences and achievements in climate change mitigation, calling for proactive government actions, the enactment of relevant laws and policies, widespread afforestation, and increased public awareness. They also stressed the importance of governmental support at all levels to achieve the desired environmental outcomes.
The conference highlighted various opportunities related to climate change, urging young people to leverage these opportunities to improve their livelihoods through sustainable farming practices, agroforestry, and other climate-resilient activities.
Several experts and environmental activists presented papers during the event, focusing on climate change challenges and opportunities, the need for collaboration, funding, and the political will to achieve a healthier and safer environment.
In a closing remarks, Nasiru Audu Umar, the Director Climate change of the ministry of Housing and Environment who is also ACReSAL's Forestry officer on behalf of the ministry thanked the organisers and the participants for the program and hoped that the conference will usher the youths into a serious action towards addressing the lingering environmental challenges and climate change.
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CLIMATE CHANGE