Edo Launches €175M Climate Resilience Initiative: Transforming Sustainability for a Greener Future

Edo State has rolled out a six-month action plan for the €175 million Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), which is funded by the European Investment Bank.

At the project’s kickoff meeting in Benin City, Mr. Ahmed Momoh, the State Coordinator and CEO of the Edo Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA), emphasized the project’s importance. He described the initiative as vital for combating gully erosion, land degradation, and climate challenges across Edo State. This effort is part of a larger initiative involving 23 Nigerian states.

Momoh noted that only 10% of the EIB funding will be available initially. States must fulfill certain administrative and logistical requirements to access the rest. He added that the Edo State Government has already committed N500 million in counterpart funding.

Preparing for the launch is critical. Momoh stated, “Without timely funding and proper logistics, we risk missing important targets.” His message highlights that readiness is essential for the project’s success.

Mr. Jude Ebodaghe Ekpu, Chairman of the Steering Committee and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, stressed the need for effective resource management. “We aim to make Edo a benchmark for climate adaptation in Nigeria,” he said.

Additionally, Mr. Emmanuel Ekomoezor, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, presented a six-month timeline with performance indicators to ensure the project’s impact is monitored effectively.

The NEWMAP-EIB initiative builds on a previous World Bank-supported erosion control project. This phase aims to strengthen coordination and promote community-led solutions for better environmental outcomes.

According to recent data from Climate Analytics, severe weather events caused by climate change are expected to double in frequency by 2040, underscoring the urgency of such projects. Effective adaptation strategies, like those proposed in Edo State, could be critical in safeguarding communities from increasing climate vulnerability.

Monitoring social media trends also reflects growing public awareness about climate issues. Many residents express hope that initiatives like NEWMAP-EIB will lead to tangible improvements in their communities.

By focusing on these key areas, Edo State aims to combat climate change actively while setting an example for others to follow in Nigeria.



Source link

climate change,climate resilience,Edo State Government