The State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr Ibrahim Kabir has underscore the critical role of knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative actions in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Kabir 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.
He was speaking when he moderated a panel discussion at the Local Conference of Youths (LCOY 2024) focused on climate change held in Bauchi on Wednesday.
The conference, with theme, ‘Building Bridges for Climate Action: Uniting Youths Voices Across Nigeria’, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the country.
The attendees included government agencies, Academia, Youths and Women groups, development partners, civil society organizations, student unions, and environmental activists.
The event also provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge aimed at addressing Nigeria’s ongoing environmental challenges.
The Bauchi ACReSAL 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’s effort in bringing interventions in that regards.
The State Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmad Kawule who served as the Special Guest at the event, praised the organizers for choosing Bauchi as the venue.
He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadi 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.
The 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.
He expressed 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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