Environment
CONNECTED Advocacy, supported by LEAP Africa and Nigeria Youth Future Funds, held a workshop on July 23, 2024 focusing on youth consultation, climate change education, and local leadership for resilience in Bayelsa State.
The event aimed to empower young Climate Ambassadors with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices within their communities.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
Theme and Objectives:
The workshop, themed “The Solution is Indigenous: Building Local Youth Capacity to Tackle Climate Crisis in Our Communities,” aimed to create a community of practice for climate action and equip Ambassadors with necessary knowledge and skills.
Opening Remarks:
Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement in climate action.
Mr. Jeremiah Daganawho, Director of Climate Change at the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment, encouraged Ambassadors to use the knowledge gained to empower their communities.
Educational Sessions:
Dr. Ayodele Oyedeji from the Institute of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Water Sheds at Niger Delta University provided foundational knowledge on climate change and global warming.
Wakedai Davidson from the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment discussed local impacts of climate change and the importance of environmental sustainability.
Advocacy Training:
Anayio Augustine Ngode provided training on community organizing and the smart advocacy model, equipping participants with essential advocacy skills.
Thematic Working Groups:
Ambassadors were divided into six groups, each focusing on specific climate-related issues: renewable energy, deforestation, environmental pollution, open defecation, plastic pollution, and disaster risk financing.
Each group identified issues, root causes, and potential solutions, planning to return to their communities to advocate for these solutions.
Outcomes and Impact:
The workshop increased participants’ understanding of climate change and provided them with crucial advocacy skills.
It emphasized the importance of indigenous solutions and local leadership in addressing global climate challenges.
This initiative underscores the critical role of youth in climate action and the importance of local solutions to global environmental challenges. The Bayelsa Climate Ambassadors Programme aims to inspire proactive steps toward sustainability in their communities.
F.A
July 25, 2024
Tags: Climate Change Connected Advocacy
