CSO DELCOF TO TAKE ACTION ON PLASTIC APOCALYPSE IN 12 STATES OF NIGERIA

CSO DELCOF TO TAKE ACTION ON PLASTIC APOCALYPSE IN 12 STATES OF NIGERIA

Delta State Civil Society Organizations Forum (DELCOF) have called on State and Non state actors, regulators, Policy makers , community based organizations and business owners to take and adopt innovative  solutions to reduce plastic pollution in the country. While speaking in a sustainability conference tagged the UN Environment Programme, organized by the United State Agency for International Development(USAID) in Partnership with DELCOF and the Federal Ministry of Environment,  Dr. Andrew Agboro , Chairman Delta State Civil Society Organizations Forum (DELCOF) said the World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder for all to take action on plastic pollution matters to accelerate a circular economy.

The symposium brought together individuals, experts, policymakers, academia, and organizations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create a more inclusive and effective conversation around environmental issues and find sustainable solutions to protect the planet from plastic pollution. 

The meeting established a partnership with DELCOF by USAID to take action focused on environmental education, renewable energy sources and technologies, environmental justice and social inclusion, climate change, sustainability economics, and innovative solutions to plastic pollution in 12states of the country.

The meeting  mapped innovative  ways to save the country from the Plastic apocalypse.

Seasoned experts from different fields discuss preserving the earth and reserving enough resources to sustain the future generations.

Highlighting the challenges in his presentation, Dr Agboro said, Plastic pollution touches on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. “It’s crucial that we continue raising awareness, collecting best practices, and ensuring commitment from all stakeholders.

According to him, Humanity produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste. While the social and economic costs of plastic pollution range between $US300 to US$600 billion per year. We must adopt new industrial guidelines on recyclability for plastic packaging aim to provide clear recommendations to decision-makers on how to design plastic packaging to be compatible with and future mechanical recycling infrastructure. Individuals, communities, civil society, businesses and  government must work together to address  growing plastic waste challenges brought on by increased tourism through building capacity for small businesses and strengthening the role of women in decision-making, we are calling on  government, donor agencies and businesses to invest in and implement solutions to ending plastic pollution.

Speaking Dr. Anne Patterson serves as Mission Director, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said USAID is making efforts to meet the immense environmental challenges of  plastic pollution through a strong foundation of climate change and environmental programming working with a vast network of partners, Government, private sector, and local organizations. We are elevating the voices of Indigenous communities, women, and young people, acknowledging their expertise and leadership on environmental issues.

During her presentation Dr Isobel Coleman Deputy Administrator For Policy And Programming USAID said, we recognize that our climate work has far-reaching impacts for our ongoing endeavors to protect global health, promote peace and stability, and help economies grow sustainably. That’s why we are working to reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills, and conserve forests and biodiversity. And we are committed to help partner countries adapt to new realities. We all have a responsibility—institutionally and individually— to transform climate challenges into opportunities to build a safer, more secure world

Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, a Foundation and BOT member of DELCOF said there are many ways Government, individuals, communities, and organizations can contribute to eliminating plastic waste. Through, Reduce plastic consumption, Recycling, Support plastic-free initiatives, educate others, support policies that reduce plastic waste, say no to single used plastics,  Embrace Sustainable Food Practices, Protect Natural Habitats, Raise Awareness and Advocacy and Connect with Nature. He advised that behavioral change is the stepping stone to accessing education, healthcare, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities. This positively affects the environmental needs and responsibilities of the communities that we are serving. According to him DELCOF’s programme is well-aligned with actionable awareness measures for all the individuals involved towards a better-lived environment, and thus a more breathable world. 

 

Sarah Charles  Assistant to the Administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) advised and encouraged all stakeholders to do their part to protect the environment and support healthier greener communities. There are lots you can do! Recycle compost and reduce the amount of plastic you use or produce. Conserve energy at home or at work, Walk or bike to work or school, Plant a tree. Pick up some litter in your neighbourhood, these are just some examples of small things we can all so every day. Through your own individual actions, no matter how small, you can make a difference