World Environment Day: Taraba govt to design 3 policy documents – Commissioner
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
The Taraba State Government has stated that it is working towards designing three (3) comprehensive policy documents to support stronger environmental initiatives to address environmental challenges across the State.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Aishatu Barde stated this on the occasion of the 2024 World Environment Day, held Wednesday at the State Secretariat complex in Jalingo the State capital.
Aishatu Barde said the three documents were aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing renewable energy use, and promoting sustainable land and water management.
The Commissioner, who enjoined all Tarabans to acknowledge the critical state of the State’s environment explained that forests, oceans, rivers, and wetlands across the State are lifeblood of societal existence that provide clean air, fresh water, fertile soil and a stable climate.
She said the gathering was to celebrate ‘our planet, reflect on our environmental stewardship, and renew our commitment to safeguarding the earth for future generations’.
Commenting on this year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, our future, she added that the society should be reminded of the vital roles ‘our ecosystems play in maintaining the balance of life on earth’.
According to the Commissioner, “Climate change, perennial flooding, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, pollution, landslide, and deforestation are pressing issues that demand our immediate and sustained attention”.
“We are restoring degraded lands, protecting natural habitats, and investing in green infrastructure to build resilience against climate impacts as seen in the major roads of Jalingo city”.
She further disclosed that much is needed to be done to achieve the greening Taraba initiative, urging all to support and amplify community-led conservation initiatives, promote eco-friendly practices in our daily lives and all levels of government.
“The science is clear, and the impacts are visible. We are at a crossroads, and the choices we make today will shape the world we leave behind, our journey toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience requires collective action, governments, businesses, communities, and individuals all have roles to play”.
“As the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, I am deeply committed to leading this charge, but I cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility that calls for collaboration, innovation, and unwavering resolve”, education and awareness are crucial in this endeavour. We must ensure that our children understand the importance of protecting the environment and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become future stewards of the planet.
“Our schools, media and civic organizations have a pivotal role in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility.
She however, expressed gratitude to the world Bank and the National Lead Project Coordinator of Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr. Hamid Umar and other visitors who made it to the occasion.
In his remarks, the National Lead Project Coordinator of Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr. Hamid Umar advised the state government to extend the campaign to all the 16 LGAs of the State saying it’s a life saving device.
He explained that the National Project Coordinator ACReSAL and his team were in the state to assess the level of awareness and sensitization on the challenges of climate change by the state government describing it to be satisfactory.
