The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) recently co-implemented a capacity building and training workshop in Nigeria, supporting climate-resilient water and land management practices. This event, supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, aimed to empower local stakeholders and communities with the knowledge and skills to maintain restored lands through sustainable water and land management practices, agroforestry techniques, and drought-resistant farming methods in climate-prone areas.
On June 26, the Green Oasis project, initiated by UNU-INWEH, convened a capacity-building and training workshop hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria, to raise awareness and acknowledge the need to build climate resilience to mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change. Local partners, the Pan African Environmental Management Institute (PAEMI), WASHforHER Foundation, the Farmer’s community, and esteemed Professors and scientists from academia, alongside 196 participants, gathered to discuss environmental sustainability, exploring innovative solutions to pressing water and ecological challenges due to climate risks.
The workshop encouraged the natural regrowth of trees and shrubs on degraded lands, emphasizing that small changes make a big difference. It equipped attendees with essential skills to apply the ‘look up, look down, look around and raise the alarm’ technique and adopt the ecological principle of ‘Use one to raise one to protect another.’ In his keynote lecture, "Capacity Building for Sustainable Land Management Practices: A Panacea in the Wake of Climate Resilience," Dr. Adetayo Aromolaran highlighted the substantial impact of human activities on climate change and agricultural productivity. The Expert urged attendees to develop the skills to manage and adapt to climate change within their communities. Other panellists, Professor OA Idowu, Professor GC Ufoegbune, Mr. Okeowo (President PAEMI), Farmer Ojo Fawemu, and Ms Ogunkoya (Founder of WASHforHer Foundation), touched on leveraging satellite data to become water warriors and make informed decisions for a more sustainable and productive future. Also, the experts stress that combating climate change impacts must be through timely action and collaboration of all stakeholders, including government, communities, water/land users, investors, and individuals.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management at FUNAAB, Professor IT Omoniyi, emphasized the collective goal of preserving water resources and land ecosystems is essential for adapting to a changing world. While acknowledging the difficulties ahead, he called for determination and unity in building a climate-resilient green oasis, encouraging participants to question their assumptions, push boundaries, and inspire others to create a better world for future generations.
The presentation of a variety of economic tree seedlings to the host University to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day marks the start of a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. This initiative also aims to enhance the green spaces within the Institution, thanks to the support of the French Embassy in Nigeria and Professor Grace Oluwasanya and Sogol Jafarzadeh, UNU-INWEH, committed to advancing climate action across the continent, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Reflecting on experiences and lessons learned, the workshop participants highlight the positive impact of collaborative knowledge-sharing and the benefits of startup groups to train-teach in local communities to protect their land and water resources. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, UNU-INWEH remains steadfast in empowering global communities to tackle climate change challenges, paving the way for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Media Contacts
- Kyra Bowman, Head of Communications , bowman@unu.edu
- Prof. Grace OLUWASANYA, Senior Researcher: Water, Climate and Gender, UNU-INWEH, grace.oluwasanya@unu.edu
- Sogol Jafarzadeh, UN and Government Relations Coordinator, UNU-INWEH, sogol.jafarzadeh@unu.edu
