By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Worried by the effects of climate change particularly in frontline coastal communities in the Niger Delta, the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria in partnership with Academic Associates PeaceWorks, AAPW, has kicked started a two year project on advancing communities capacity to mitigate climate change impacts and develop Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the two days stakeholders engagement forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Tuesday, with the theme: ‘Policy Dialogue and Exhibition on Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta, the Senior Programme Manager, Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria, Nosakhare Ayejimiwo, said the Niger Delta, faces unique challenges that demand urgent, thoughtful, and locally relevant responses.

She said the policy dialogue and exhibition is not only a platform to share ideas but a living demonstration of how partnership and cooperation can lead to real, impactful change, noting that Denmark remains steadfast in its support for initiatives that empower local communities, protect biodiversity, and foster innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Her words: “One of Denmark’s strategic priorities for engagement with Africa is to increase efforts for climate adaptation, with a particular focus on water, forests, and biodiversity, and support a just, green transition in the continent.

“We are living in a time where climate change is undeniably one of the greatest global concerns of our era. Yet, while its effects are felt worldwide, it is communities at the frontline—like yours and others in the Niger Delta—that bear the brunt of its impacts most acutely. The Niger Delta, faces unique challenges that demand urgent, thoughtful, and locally relevant responses.

“Denmark’s partnership in this region, reflects our strong commitment to supporting solutions that are inclusive, locally-led, and sustainable. This project is a shining example of those values in action. It embodies collaboration across sectors and stakeholders, recognizing that no one group can tackle these complex challenges alone.”

In her remarks, the Executive Director AAPW, Dr. Judith Asuni, explained that the two year project implemented by Academic Associates PeaceWorks ,AAPW, is in four (4) communities that are highly affected by climate change, environmental degradation and piracy in Bayelsa and Delta states, adding these that communities can potentially develop Green and Blue economies in their areas.

Asuni said: “The project aims to promote sustainable practices in both marine and terrestrial environments, emphasizing conservation, resource management, and community development in the Niger Delta region.”

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Professor Beke Sese, said he has the mandate to produce food for Bayelsa, Nigerians and the world and achieved that there is the need for local farmers to be actively involved in food production.

He pointed out The present administration of Governor Douye Diri has come to the conclusion that the state is too blessed to be poor or be associated with poverty, because of the rich vegetation and fertility of the soil, regretting that the amount of food consumed in the state are brought from outside.

He said: “Our primary focus has been on rice production because Bayelsa State is a natural habitat for rice. So we are supporting our rice farmers by providing inputs, seedlings a s rice mills. Our goal is to reduce the cost of rice and we cannot do that without collaboration with our rice farmers.We want to create the enabling environment to produce for farmers to be productive.”

The Project Manager AAPW, Mr Utavie Jeremiah, said the project is pursuing a bold approach to increasing community capacity and improving their knowledge, skills, and understanding of climate change impacts and adoption of Green and Blue economy practices, supportive community livelihood policies and behavioural change among community members, leading to the adoption of renewable energy technologies, climate-friendly agricultural practices and improved eco-system restoration.

He said: “We have established two multi-stakeholder networks in Bayelsa and Delta States to improve coordination, knowledge sharing, and policy engagement. A total of 240 community-based farmers, fisherfolk, and stakeholders received participatory, hands-on training through ten expert-led modules covering topics such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries, enterprise development, stakeholder collaboration, and extension services. Sixteen cooperatives were formed, each aligned with shared environmental and economic objectives, and supported with demonstration farms, technical mentorship, and practical training in project management, value addition, market access, financial management, and business planning.

“Ultimately, this initiative represents not only a significant step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change but also a robust model for how research, peacebuilding, and international support can converge to create a safer, more sustainable future.”