By Lucky Isibor
The Uromi JDPCI has called for collective action to effect sustainable land stewardship that will enhance efforts to combat land degradation, desertification assist assist mankind act against the issue of climate change.
The Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development, Peace and Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Rev.Fr. Dr Fidelis Arhedo made the call on Thursday, 20 June in a keynote address he delivered on the occasion of the 2024 World Environment Day and flag-off of it’s tree planting campaign in Edo Central Senatorial District, held at the Catholic Chancery Hall, at Uromi.
Arhedo who noted that the World Environment day with the the theme for this year’s event as “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”,is not just a symbolic celebration, but a platform to raise awareness to promote sustainable practices, mobilse action, connect people and nature, emphasise the essence of ecosystems and celebrate achievements; enumerated the various steps the Uromi JDPCI has taken in collaboration with the Uromi Catholic Diocese to care for the earth and combat climate change in line with the recommendations of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
“Uromi JDPCI began sensitization in communities, Churches, markets, groups of farmers, and business owners on waste management, bush burning and tree planting campaign in 2023 in Edo Central Senatorial District. In addition, Uromi JDPCI plans to facilitate and mobilize the people to plant at least 20,000 trees in the next five years. To achieve this, Uromi JDPCI in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Uromi planted 1,322 seedlings in churches and other public places at a subsidized rate in 2023.
“In 2024, Uromi JDPCI has bought and made available 491 seedlings, part of which will be flagged off at this event. At the same time, the Diocese of Uromi through the Agro-Commission is planting 100 seedlings in this month of June 2024. These trees will contribute to environmental restoration and biodiversity, benefit local communities economically, and promote environmental stewardship”.
While pointing out that Edo State is not immune to the devastating effects of climate change, Fr. Arhedo outlined the steps to be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change in Edo State under three broad headings of “Bush Burning, Inappropriate Waste Management and Deforestation”; which the clergy noted will cause, “Soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, increased vulnerability to climate change; damage to infrastructure and livilihoods, environmental pollution, climate change consequences, changes in local climate patterns, soil erosion and degradation; loss of economic opportunities, increased temperature, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, food scarcity, economic and social impacts”.
While calling for the adoption of mutplti-faceted approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Edo State, Arhedo enumerated the strategies for all stakeholders in the state to include, “Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“Carbon Sequestration: Tree planting helps to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a significant contributor to climate change. This process enhances carbon capture and storage, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
“Forest Cover Increase: The allocation of 6,000 hectares of land for tree planting in Edo State aims to boost tree cover and promote sustainable land use. This initiative contributes to global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change by increasing the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide. Tree planting projects can create jobs, promote local economies, and enhance the overall well-being of the people in the region. Tree planting helps to preserve ecosystems, advance soil health, and promote biodiversity. This is essential for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change on local wildlife and human populations.
“Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture, can enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and promote biodiversity.
“Waste Management: Improving waste management practices can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, where it can produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Building climate-resilient infrastructure, such as sea walls and flood-resistant buildings, can protect communities from the impacts of climate change. Raising awareness about climate change and its impacts can encourage individuals and communities to adopt climate-friendly behaviors and support climate change mitigation efforts.
“Climate Change Advocacy: It raises awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development, inspiring further advocacy and action”.
“All stakeholders in Edo State have a critical role to play in mitigating climate change. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting climate-friendly behaviors, such as using public transport, reducing energy consumption, and recycling, businesses can reduce their environmental impact by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and energy consumption, and promoting sustainable products.
“The government can play a crucial role by implementing policies and regulations that support climate change mitigation, such as setting renewable energy targets and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Criminalize those who are involved in illegal mining and deforestation activities. Civil society organizations can raise awareness about climate change, advocate for climate change policies, and support community-based climate change initiatives”.
In a good will message, the Onojie of Igueben, Zaiki Eluogierior pointed out that felling of palm trees by farmers have been outlawed at Igueben, adding that the community has now imposed fines on any palm tree felled by farmers as a way of improving tree planting. Zaiki Eluogierior who was represented by Chief Hillary Ekhoye, called on some pastors who encourage the felling of trees in communities under the guise of suppressing evil spirits to stop the act.
In her good will message, the president of the Medical Women Association (MWA),Edo State, Dr. (Mrs) Irene Akhideno deployed the indiscriminate disposal of plastic containers and other polypropylene products, noting that they cause a lot of environmental hazards as they’re not biodegradable.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Executive Director of the Uromi JDPCI, Rev. Fr. Ferguson Ukpebor eulogised the Bishop of Uromi Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Donatus Ogun for sponsoring this year’s celebration of the World Environment Day by Uromi JDPCI, pointing out that the Bishop has been the financier of the tree planting campaign.
Highlight of the event was the planting of trees by the representative of Bishop Donatus Ogun, Very Rev.Fr. Omolumen, Rev.Fr. Dr Fidelis Arhedo, president of the Medical Women Association, Edo State Dr. Irene Akhideno, representative of the chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Area, Hon. Louis Imandegbelo, representative of the Onogie of Igueben, Zaiki Eluogierior among other dignitaries.