The Edo State Government has assured key stakeholders in the environmental sector that it is committed to responsible commodity production as well as the initiation and implementation of vital initiatives for forest protection and regeneration.
The resolution for sustainable practices was highlighted by the Acting Team Lead, Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), Mr. Churchill Oboh, who led the COP28 team representing Edo State, at the Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The conference brings together various stakeholders and parties to collaboratively explore effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancing climate financing.
According to Oboh, proactive measures have been taken by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to foster responsible production of commodities, robust forest protection and conservation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable and responsible land use practices.
He said the Edo Team at the event engaged in strategic dialogues with esteemed developmental partners, including The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which is focused on protecting and restoring forests and supporting policy reforms for more sustainable land use.
“Others include Mercuria, a pioneering force in investing and developing innovative forms of low carbon energy, with which we share Edo’s goal of encouraging lower carbon energy production and advancing sustainable transportation practices,” Oboh said.
“The collaboration extended to Pollination, a distinguished global climate change advisory and investment firm. Standing at the forefront of accelerating the transition towards a net-zero and climate-resilient future, Pollination provides Edo State with invaluable expertise and support in navigating the complexities of climate change initiatives. This collaborative effort reinforces the region’s commitment to proactive and impactful climate action.
“We had interactive sessions with Ruth Kennedy, the Forest and Land Use Adviser to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, and another with the Head of Communication for Proforest, Ali Merifield. We emphasized the remarkable achievements and efforts made in Edo State so far which include the repeal of the forestry law and setting up of the forestry commission, the success story of the Africa Sustainable Commodity Initiative (ASCI), completion of a comprehensive forest inventory, and identification of areas for forest regeneration through the Land Use and Land Cover Analysis (LULCA),” he said.
