By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- IN a bid to safeguard the ecosystem from degradation, the Federal Government, Tuesday, commended efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, and UK PACT under the United Kingdom, UK, Government’s Foreign, commonwealth, and Development Office, FCDO, on the initiative to restore and protect mangrove belts in Nigeria

The commendation was given by the Director General, National Council for Climate Change Commission, NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, in an address of welcome during the National Launch of ‘Nigeria-United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition, UK PACT, Programme, while acknowledging the strong partnership which has led to the development of the initiative.

Dahiru also explained that the UK PACT and FAO’s collaboration with Nigeria through the NCCC to support the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC, is in consonance with the rest of the world with the aim of driving global transformation to a low-emission and climate-resilient world.

Meanwhile, the target is management of mangrove ecosystem and expansion for social protection of fisheries and forest dependents in the coastal communities of Cross River State.

He said: “I commend the Office of the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UK Government’s Foreign, commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for the strong partnership which has led to the development of this vital initiative, and to express on behalf of our country, my gratitude to the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the financial and technical support to implement the UK PACT Programme in Nigeria.

“It is noteworthy that the UK PACT and FAO are collaborating with Nigeria through the NCCC to support the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) which is in consonance with the rest of the world with the aim of driving global transformation to a low-emission and climate-resilient world, foster ambitious climate action, and facilitate the scaling up of climate finance and support.”

The NCCC boss also highlighted some of the significant progress Nigeria had made since she became a signatory to the ratification of Nigeria the Paris Agreement as well as the declaration of its net zero commitment at COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and added that Nigeria submitted an updated NDC in 2021 with an unconditional target of reducing GHG emissions by 20% and a conditional target of 47% below Business as Usual (BAU) with the addition of its Waste and Water Sectors.

According to him, “This updated NDC has so many other beautiful components like the Nature-based Solutions, Just Transition Plans, Green Jobs Assessments, Vulnerability Mapping, Gender Mainstreaming, NDC communication Tools, Youth Manual and issues of Circular Economy, and amongst others.”

However, he pointed out that climate finance is key to closing gaps, because, “funds to implement mitigation and adaptation activities is required to ensure the highest possible efforts which fulfills developed countries financial commitments to developing countries under UNFCCC obligations.

“Nigeria’s NDC tell a story of a country that is eager for bold climate policies but still grapples with the lack of adequate financing and resources to bring them to fruition. Our engagement with UK PACT has been a beneficial partnership that demonstrates what success should look like.”

Meanwhile, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Koffy Kouacou Dominique, in an opening remark described the initiative as remarkable implemented by FAO, which holds a promise of significant and positive impact on the lives of the coastal communities in Calabar, Cross River State.

According to Dominique, “The mangrove ecosystem in the coastal areas of Cross River State is not only a vital natural resource but also a critical component of the livelihoods of the local communities. The delicate balance between conservation and sustainable use of this ecosystem is a pressing concern, especially given the increasing threats from deforestation, firewood and timber collection, as well as misuse of pesticides and other agro-chemicals which led to pollution and invasive species such as nypa palm that threaten mangrove ecosystems. Those challenges are further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.

“Furthermore, the communities’ reliance on the fisheries and forest resources underscores the need for holistic and integrated mangrove management approaches to ensure the well-being of both the environment and the local population.

“I am optimistic that this project will positively impact the lives and livelihoods of the beneficiary communities in Cross River State and will pave the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and harmonious future for generations to come.”