posted December 19, 2023
The Edo State Government has assured key stakeholders in the environmental sector that the State is actively engaged in promoting responsible commodity production and environmental conservation. The commitment to sustainable practices and forest protection is crucial in addressing the global challenge of climate change.
The involvement of a delegation from Edo State led the Acting Team Lead, Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), Mr. Churchill Oboh, in the Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing environmental issues at the international level.
Oboh stated that the Governor Obaseki led government in Edo State is collaborating with various stakeholders and engaging in strategic dialogues with developmental partners, such as The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, indicates a commitment to finding effective solutions and securing support for sustainable land use practices.
He highlighted that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration’s focus on responsible production of commodities and conservation efforts aligns with the global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It’s essential for governments and stakeholders to work together to implement initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
“Others include Mercuria, a pioneering force in investing and developing innovative forms of low carbon energy, with which we share Edo’s goal of encouraging lower carbon energy production and advancing sustainable transportation practices.
“The collaboration extended to Pollination, a distinguished global climate change advisory and investment firm. Standing at the forefront of accelerating the transition towards a net-zero and climate-resilient future, Pollination provides Edo State with invaluable expertise and support in navigating the complexities of climate change initiatives. This collaborative effort reinforces the region’s commitment to proactive and impactful climate action.”
He added: “We had interactive sessions with Ruth Kennedy, the Forest and Land Use Adviser to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, and another with the Head of Communication for Proforest, Ali Merifield. We emphasized the remarkable achievements and efforts made in Edo State so far which include the repeal of the forestry law and setting up of the forestry commission, the success story of the Africa Sustainable Commodity Initiative (ASCI), completion of a comprehensive forest inventory, and identification of areas for forest regeneration through the Land Use and Land Cover Analysis (LULCA).”