Category: Environments

A Sit-Down with Martins Egot, Executive Director of Panacea for Developmental and Infrastructural Challenges for Africa Initiative (PADIC-AFRICA), Formerly Known as Development Concerns (DEVCON). In the interview with Mike Abang, the discussion primarily revolved around various issues concerning the Cross River National Park and the Community forest. One key topic addressed was the government’s decision to grant licenses to two mining firms within the Cross River National Park. Regarding this, Abang expressed his sentiments in the following statement:

“Apart from the fact that the environmental organisation is very concerned about the environment of Cross River State and its forest communities, we have been in very close partnership with the Cross River National Park for over ten years now. They have been part of building the capacity of the community eco-guards that we train and support to take care of, manage and carry out surveillance and protection of community forests. The National Park has been very cooperative and they have been seeing results from our partnership but this same National Park is being encroached. For example, in Ofumkpa, where this mining activity is happening, for two years now we have been having joint patrols with the National Park officers, Rangers and the community eco-guards that we put together in Ofumkpa, and they have been protecting the forests together. But suddenly, we hear that there is a licence given to companies to mine, there is so much disaster in that place and for us, it is very disheartening.”

Abang also voiced his concerns for the National Park facing imminent mining. He highlighted that Cross River State has been in a prolonged struggle against deforestation, an ongoing challenge. The region has witnessed significant damage due to activities like timber exploitation and uncontrolled deforestation, resulting in severe environmental harm. Amidst this ongoing battle, three distinct forest management systems played pivotal roles: Community Forests, Government Reserves, and the last stronghold of conservation, the National Park.

The Sanctity of the National Park

During the interview, when asked about the mandate of the National Park, Martins emphasized its significance. Established under the National Park Service Act, the National Park serves as the ultimate guardian of its ecosystem. Its primary directive is straightforward: safeguard and foster the diverse array of life within its confines. However, despite explicit prohibitions against mining, trespasses continued, posing a fundamental threat to its sanctity. This quote underscores his claim:

“The National Park Service Act (2006) unequivocally underscores that national parks are sanctuaries meant exclusively for the propagation, protection and management of vegetation and wildlife. Notably, Section 22 of the Act delineates the functions of Management Committees, reinforcing the exclusive dedication of national parks to the propagation, protection and management of vegetation and wildlife.

Section 29 makes an offence for any unauthorised person to go into the National Park without the permission of the Conservator-General. Mining activities are explicitly prohibited in section 30(1) of the Act which says, a person who, unless authorised to do so under this Act or the regulations under this Act, carries out an undertaking connected with forestry, agriculture, grazing or excavation or does any levelling of the ground or construction or any act tending to alter the configuration of the soil or the character of the vegetation; or does an act likely to disturb the fauna or flora; or engages in drilling, mining, prospecting or exploration of any kind of natural resources, is guilty of an offence.

The National Park, therefore, has the mandate to manage and protect the National Park and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development should not in any way, give out leasing rights to any mining company in the National Park and they know this. We are trying to get to the appropriate authorities to ensure that this is reversed as soon as possible. As we speak, it is still happening in Ofumkpa.”

Martins Egot fervently believed that the National Park held the potential to not only sustain the ecological balance but also to benefit the state and its people economically. Responsible tourism, he argued, could transform the park into a source of sustainable revenue, bridging the gap between conservation and livelihoods. While dissenting voices questioned the tangible benefits of the National Park, Martins Egot understood that its true value transcended monetary reckoning. It was the lifeblood of a delicate ecosystem, a sanctuary for a myriad of species, each playing a crucial role in the intricate web of life.

Empathy for Communities

Martins Ergot spoke on the threat these actions have to the communities. He said: “Yes. At some point, we pity them and want to reason with them, even though they are not completely right. I have been engaging directly with the Ofumkpa people, we have been working closely and they have been part of our patrols, listening closely to our conservation debates and discussions and they participate. When this happened, we took them on and they said they were accepting these people because they were promising roads, schools, employment and little stipends for working with them at the mining site. These are the things that pull and push communities to be part of it and we do not blame them, it is life survival as a community; because these communities neither have good roads nor schools and the people there are very poor. Our governments that are supposed to be supporting communities with all these amenities are not forthcoming. Again, the National Park Authority which is supposed to be empowered to engage well in these communities and provide for the communities, is not doing that. We talk about livelihood but what degree of livelihood projects are we pushing to these community people? We empathise and sympathise with the community people and so in that direction, I will be calling on the Federal and state governments, even international NGOs to intervene.”

A Call for Collaborative Action

Martins Egot’s wisdom echoed through the trees, urging governments and NGOs to join hands with the communities. Building bridges, he believed, was the key to safeguarding both the cherished lands and the livelihoods of those who called them home. The battle for the Cross River National Park continues, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dare to stand as guardians of the forest. In this emerald realm, voices rise in unison, unwavering in their commitment to preserve this natural wonder for generations.

Today, September 16 marks the annual observance of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, a day that powerfully highlights the vital role played by the ozone layer in helping maintain the delicate balance of life on our planet and highlights the collective effort needed to safeguard it. This year’s observance is centred around the theme: “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change”.

This year’s observance was themed “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change” by the United Nations with the aim of educating people about the importance of the ozone layer and how its depletion is leading to global warming and climate change across the world. What is the Ozone layer?

Ozone layer

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth’s stratosphere, about 10 to 50 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. It contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules, which absorb the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This layer acts as a shield, preventing most of this harmful radiation from reaching the Earth’s surface.

Okay, to simply put it, imagine the earth is a cosy bed on a chilly night, and the atmosphere is like a bunch of blankets (we’d refer to it as the “Ozone Blanket”). The “Ozone Blanket” is a special layer in this stack of blankets, positioned higher up, about 10 to 50 kilometres above us.

Now, this Ozone Blanket isn’t your regular blanket. It’s made of special molecules called ozone. These molecules are like the super warm and fuzzy part of the blanket that keeps you toasty.

When the sun decides to be extra intense (when the night is super cold), sending down those harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays, the Ozone Blanket springs into action. It’s like the superhero layer that catches most of these rays, making sure they don’t get through to us down here. It’s like the blanket telling you “Sleep tight, I’d keep you warm”.

History

In 1994, World Ozone Day was established to highlight the crucial role of the Ozone Layer in safeguarding our environment. Concerns about human activities harming the ozone layer were first raised by scientists in the 1970s. In response, governments worldwide rallied behind the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, committing to its preservation.

On the 16th of September each year, World Ozone Day commemorates this milestone and reinforces the message that our united commitment remains the key to addressing this significant global challenge.

The Montreal Protocol

In 1987, the global community united to combat ozone layer depletion through the adoption of the Montreal Protocol. This crucial agreement was established with the aim of stopping the production and usage of substances that can harm the ozone layer. Since its inception, the protocol has gained global approval and remains an unmatched success in environmental conservation.

What can you do to support the Montreal Protocol?

1. Choose Ozone-Friendly Products: Look for labels that indicate products are ozone-friendly. Choose products that do not contain substances harmful to the ozone layer as a better option. To identify Ozone-Friendly products, look out for these: “Ozone-Friendly” or “Ozone-Safe”, “CFC-Free” “No CFCs”, “HCFC-Free” or “No HCFCs”, or Environmentally Friendly.
2. Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption in your home and workplace. This can be achieved by using energy-efficient appliances and making conscious efforts to conserve energy. To apply these, you can: Switch to LED Bulbs, Unplug Devices, Use Energy-Efficient Appliances, Insulate Your Home (keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling.), Wash Clothes with Cold Water, Use Natural Light (Open curtains during the day to let in natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.), Plant Trees and Shrubs.
3. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the importance of the ozone layer and the role individuals can play in its preservation by sharing this article.
4. Support Policy and Regulations: Advocate for policies and regulations that protect the ozone layer and the environment as a whole.

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer reminds us of the power of global cooperation in the face of environmental challenges. By recognizing the significance of the ozone layer and taking proactive measures to safeguard it, we can secure a better, safer planet for both present and future generations. Let’s work together to preserve this vital shield that sustains life on Earth.

Given the increased rate of climate change worldwide and its harmful effects on Earth, Yewande Akinse and Fela Akinse, two Nigerians, have introduced an  AI-powered search engine aimed at addressing climate change.

The co-founders, in an official statement to BusinessDay, disclosed their search engine named pap.earth which is used not only as an aid to help users find information but also to empower them to contribute to the fight against climate change with every online search.

According to the co-founders, pap.earth functions very much like Google or any other search engine. The outstanding feature it has is that it’s an eco-friendly (has zero impact on the environment) search engine. It uses its profits to support lesser-known climate projects worldwide, helping fight climate change in a unique way.

Yewande Akinse, co-founder of pap.earth, explained how the app operates, stating, “Every search on pap.earth earns a coin. Users can collect these coins to either donate them to featured climate projects for likely sponsorship, or convert them at our partner stores for discounts and rewards.” This way, your searches directly contribute to positive climate action. She further explained that when using pap.earth, every user receives rewards through a fun system called gamification. 

Yewande mentioned that despite studying Law at university, the passion and concern for finding creative solutions to combat climate change challenges is what motivates her steadfast commitment. This commitment has led her to actively advocate for and lead efforts towards raising awareness for a sustainable environment.

Yewande emphasized that Pap.earth is at the forefront of the fight against the detrimental consequences that the severe effects of climate change cause to the Earth.

Co-founder and chief scientist of pap.earth, Fela Akinse shared that he created the pap.earth search engine with the aim of taking CO2 (Carbon dioxide) out of the atmosphere.

He pointed out a point in the quote, “We have a special opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with everyday people, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to make meaningful contributions to a more eco-friendly earth. This is the essence of what Pap.earth, driven by AI, is all about”.

In a world confronted by terrifying environmental challenges, Yewande and Fela, the co-founders of Pap.earth, see their creation as a flare of hope.

Rtn. Peter Itawawansa, Assistant Governor of Zone 22 in Rotary Club, passionately encourages Nigerians to cultivate economic trees as a means of protecting the environment. He also emphasizes the importance of clearing overgrown weeds within their surroundings, stressing the aged adage that “health is wealth.”

Itawawansa delivered this message during a recent event at the Ugbolu Primary Health Centre in Oshimili North Council, Delta State with the collaborative effort involved between multiple Rotary Clubs, including Asaba Government House, Asaba Downtown, Okpanam Hilltop, Issele-Azagba Uptown, Asaba Bonsaac, and Rotaract clubs under District 9141 Nigeria, coming together for a four-in-one project aimed at enhancing healthcare services at the health centre.

In addition to urging individuals and organizations with a vibrant spirit to contribute to maternal and child care, Itawawansa shared the list of items donated to the health centre. This included mattresses, pillowcases, bed sheets, window curtains, hand hygiene materials, and sanitary waste bins. In addition, as an indication of environmental preservation, economic trees were planted to fortify the local ecosystem, and overgrown weeds were cleared from the premises, dignifying the quality of healthcare services provided to the community.

Itawawansa accentuated that this act aligns with Rotary Clubs’ worldwide vision, emphasizing that Rotary’s mission revolves around uplifting and empowering people.

The destruction of countless numbers of homes began the spate of flooding in various areas of the Kogi State, especially the capital Lokoja and Ajaokuta Local Government Area in late September. This led the state government to swing into prompt action by turning schools into temporary centers which sheltered about 10,000 victims.

The Governor has since then affirmed that the flooding has affected 9 LGAs which cut across the Niger and Benue rivers and these include: Lokoja, Kogi-Koto, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Idah, Ibaji, and Omala.

He further mentioned that Ibaji is nearly 100% submerged while the other parts are about 30% flooded. Other inland LGAs also have some measure of flooding from smaller rivers and tributaries.

While issuing a statement on the incident on the 1st of October 2022, Governor Yaha Bello expressed his dismay over the happening saying ” I am deeply distressed by the scope if devastation and suffering that has already been visited on our people by the rising floodwaters this year”

He further stated ” we therefore have a serious humanitarian tragedy on our hands, but I wish to assure every person, family and community which has been affected that they are not alone and that help is coming.”

With the assistance extended from national partners, the state government will be in a position to provide shelter at different Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps, as well as food, medicine, clothing, monetary donations and security among other things.
While efforts are made towards more sustainable solutions

The Federal Government has reported over 300 deaths and 100,000 displaced people across the nation in September.

Governor Yahaya Bello has noted that 2022 floods have been confirmed as Nigeria’s worst flood disaster in a decade and appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to declare a State of National Disaster as a result of the flooding in Kogi and other affected states like it was done in 2018.

The Governor stressed that “the declaration will help to unlock the nation’s latent capabilities to respond more aggressively with more men, money and materials to this harrowing situation”

On October 4th 2022, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported an unprecedented flood in border areas of Kogi and Enugu State. In Uzo-Umani LGA around 35,200 people have been affected, 53,800 hectares of farm land submerged, along with houses, roads, bridges and public facilities, schools, community health centres, markets and places of worship.