EMBRACING NATURE THROUGH ART AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY: TO COMMEMORATE 2024 WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY

  

COMMUNIQUE 2023 International Clean Air Day 

Presented By Mega Impact Foundation  Stakeholders Roundtable Conversation Communique – 2023 International Clean Air Day

Mega Impact Foundation and the Delta State Ministry of Environment is pleased to extend our gratitude to all Stakeholders for your active participation in the Stakeholders Roundtable Conversation held on the occasion of the 2023 International Clean Air Day on the 7th September, 2023 at the Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, Delta State. This meeting, convened with the aim of developing an approach, solutions and a roadmap to integrate climate change actions to complement the Delta State Government’s effort at improving its plans at implementing a transitional plan into green economy including emission reduction, structural and systemic human behavioural changes in the hope of achieving its Sustainable Development Goal of building a State Beyond Oil. Participants shared best practices and successful initiatives from their respective organizations. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Jamani T. Ejiro represented by the Director, Climate Change, Mrs. Vivian Briggs. 

Conversation Highlights: 

• Green Financing: The lead conversation was centered on promoting synergy and foster strong collaborations amongst key stakeholders including MDA’s, CSO’’s, Investors, Academic, Corporate Organizations and the Media. Contributions by participants focused on the numerous funding opportunities that are available by international funding, donor organizations and developmental partners which Delta State is yet to take full advantage of. 
• Research: Stakeholders emphasized on the role of evidence-based solutions to be able to (1) Understand the impact of climate change on the economy of the State through identifying and creating a database of challenges and sustainable solutions peculiar to at risk urban and rural settlements/communities captured in the research (2) Economic growth agendas to generate inclusive economic growth in the short and medium terms. 
• Awareness and Education: The conversations also took a deep dive into the challenges of raising awareness and educating communities about the adverse effects of air pollution. Participants discussed the enormous climate-driven crisis bedeviling the State with special bias for Carbon Emission, Flooding and lack of Alternative Energy whilst emphasizing the need for continued public outreach. 
• Technological Innovation: The meeting highlighted the significance of advancing clean energy solutions and supporting innovation in clean technologies. Participants emphasized the need for investment in providing digital solutions to tackle challenges of information dissemination, public enlightenment and development to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources and sustainable climate action initiatives. 
• Community Engagement: Participants shared experiences of community engagement programs that have effectively reduced air pollution at the local level. The meeting recognized that empowering communities to take ownership of their environment’s air quality protection through embracing alternative and eco-friendly solutions especially for cooking. 
• Global Collaboration: Stakeholders expressed their commitment to fostering global collaboration and partnerships. International Clean Air Day was deemed an excellent opportunity to unite efforts across borders to combat air pollution collectively. 

Observations and Recommendations. 

• Green Financing: It was noted that the State Government alone cannot fix the numerous climate change effect on the economy, physical, social and mental health of its inhabitants thereby leaving a huge gap in its efforts at tackling climate change in the state, stakeholders called for intense collaboration and synergy amongst climate action key players in the state to be able to work together to source for funding opportunities through ecologic funds and other funding opportunities from both local and international funding and donor agencies, and other developmental partners. 
• Research: Stakeholders identified the lack of evidence-based solutions as one of the key challenges facing the Delta State Governments efforts at tackling the effects of climate change in the state, Stakeholders therefor suggested that in order to develop a sustainable and implementable green economy transition plan, there is need to involve academics, researchers and experts in ensuring that the challenges are thoroughly investigated and sustainable solutions are proffered. 
• Awareness and Education: It was generally observed that the level of climate education amongst Deltans is very low especially amongst the rural dwellers, most of them do not have an idea of their contributions towards air pollution as they still ignorantly engage in activities that contribute to the release of Green House Gases into the atmosphere. It was also noted that the impact of gas flaring in the rural communities is becoming alarmingly increasing despite governments efforts at reducing it so the need for continuous sensitization of the gas flaring companies and the indigenes of these communities must be a continuous effort until we can reduce it to its barest minimum. 
• Information Sharing: Another key challenge facing the fight against climate change is the issue of data sharing, it was noted that the lack of synergy between MDA’s and other stakeholders is one contributory factor that is slowing down the implementation of both Governments, public and private climate-action initiatives. It was recommended that creating a platform that allows for all major key players to continually meet to exchange developmental ideas aimed at driving Delta state’s Green Economy Transitioning Plan was essential. 
• Technology Innovation: During the session on embracing technology in the fight against climate change in Delta State, it was observed that the State Governments can still do more in its approach at infusing the use of modern technology in the area of air quality data capturing, sensitization and early warning information dissemination, air quality monitoring and evaluation, and systemic human behavioural change all in the hope of mitigating the effect of future climate change occurrences. 
• Community Engagement: Stakeholders noted that more participation from traditional rulers, community gate keepers, local media, religious leaders and community members is required to mitigate the effects of climate change in our communities whilst finding the best eco-friendly adaptation solutions to avert repetition of such crisis in the communities.

Effects of climate change on future generations. 

Participants attributed the lack of children’s participation in environmental activities around them to the lack of information and education on climate change, most of them mentioned that environmental studies in schools is just a small part of one of their subject, a participant suggested that the curriculum should allow for direct environmental education studies which will allow them gain the knowledge on what Climate Change really is and how they can participate in contributing to efforts to mitigate it. 

Actions.

• Collaborative Initiatives: Participants were encouraged to become members of the Coalition of Clean Air Thinkers (CCAT-Africa) aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities and share best practices, particularly in the areas of clean energy, sustainable developments, and community engagement. 
• Next Steps: The participants expressed interest in continuing this dialogue beyond the meeting. Future discussions will be organized to monitor progress and develop action plans. 
• Global Outreach: Stakeholders are urged to promote International Clean Air Day within their networks and communities, raising awareness and encouraging active participation in related events and initiatives. 
• Research and Development: A commitment to support research and development in clean technologies was affirmed. Participants were encouraged to explore opportunities for investment in this critical area. 

We would like to express our appreciation for your dedication to addressing the pressing issue of air pollution and Delta State Green Economy transitioning plan, and your participation in this meaningful discussion. Together, we can take significant steps toward complimenting the Delta State Green Economy transition plan and achieving cleaner air for our communities and future generations. Our aim is to continuously build partnerships and collaborations to deepen our quest to contribute to the SDG Goal 13 which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts on our environment and lives.

We look forward to the continued collaboration and positive outcomes stemming from our collective efforts. 

Florence Ogonegbu

Initiator 

Mega Impact Foundation