The Danish government, in collaboration with Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW), is set to extend climate change awareness to rural communities in Bayelsa State, aiming to address environmental challenges and increase economic opportunities in the Niger Delta region.
During a network launch event held at Golden Tulip resort in Onopa, Yenagoa, participants discussed various strategies to enhance community resilience against the effects of climate change and promote sustainable development in the area.
The event themed: “Promoting Community Capacity to Mitigate the Impacts of Climate Change and Develop the Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta,” stressed the need to address climate change in the region.
The project, led by Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW) and supported by the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria, is expected to span two years. It aims to target four communities suffering the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation across Bayelsa and Delta states.
These communities, capable of developing green and blue economies, are the focal point of the project, which seeks to promote sustainable practices in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Conservation efforts, resource management, and community development within the Niger Delta region are prioritized.
In his address, Sune Krogstrup, Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in addressing climate change challenges. “Here in Nigeria, we believe in the potential of engaging local communities to address climate change challenges,” he remarked.
“Today, we’ve heard many stories from affected communities, which is why we’re partnering with AAPW to combat this issue.”
“We are optimistic that our efforts will benefit local residents and create economic opportunities,” Krogstrup added.
“We hope for the support of other international partners and the Bayelsa State Government to ensure a lasting impact.”
Nkoyo Toyo, the Acting Executive Director of AAPW, echoed the global concern of climate change, particularly its impact in rural areas of the Niger Delta communities.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, noted the government’s readiness to collaborate on the project alongside the local community. He urged the project organizers to broaden their scope beyond the initial three pilot communities to ensure more communities can benefit from it.