A climate change-based environmental conservation organisation, Revamp Rave Network (RRN) has called on government bodies in Africa to incorporate community insights into climate change policy-making processes across the continent.
Abimbola Abikoye, who is the founder and convener of Coastal Rural Community Conference on Climate Change, made the call during her opening remarks at the one-day Conference held at Immaculate Hall, Maryland, Lagos, at the weekend.
While speaking at the conference themed: “Strengthening the Capacity of Coastal Communities in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation for more Ocean Governance,” the RRN founder emphasized on the importance of leveraging local knowledge and perspectives in crafting effective climate change mitigation strategies.
She noted that community-driven approaches are essential for creating sustainable policies that resonate with the realities faced by residents in coastal regions.
The overarching aim of the conference, according to Abimbola, was to unite communities in accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
She stressed that the resolutions formulated during the conference which brought together over 500 coastal rural women, men and persons with disabilities from across five largest fishing communities in Lagos, would be documented and presented to government representatives at all levels, with the intent of fostering comprehensive and sustainable policy development.
Continuing, she further stated that the Conference was designed with the notion of building robust collaborative frameworks and forging partnerships aimed at catalyzing positive transformations within rural communities. “By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the conference sought to lay the groundwork for initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of individuals residing in coastal areas,” she added.
Speakers at the event in their respective speeches encouraged attendees to take climate change seriously and adopt the best practices in their fishing activities.
The conference, which had presentations from Mr Bankole Michael, the Director Department of Climate Change, Lagos State Ministry of Environment; and Mr Wellington O. Omoragbon, Director Department of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security called for heightened awareness and education on climate issues, urging governments, individuals, and NGOs to intensify their efforts in disseminating climate change literacy at the grassroots level. The speakers also explored the importance of strengthening the capacity of communities on climate adaptation and mitigation for more ocean governance.
Highlights of the event include dance performances, musical interludes, and group photo sessions, symbolising the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
This conference was proudly supported by Ocean Justice Africa; Department of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; UN Ocean Deacde- Early Career Ocean Professional Programme; MushinToTheWorld Foundation and Lekan Bakare Foundation.
