The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties – COP provides the platform for countries in the world to review the implementation of conventions on climate change, it also presents an opportunity for governments and agencies to highlight climate actions.

Speaking during the side events of the Nigerian Pavilion at the ongoing COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro said Gombe State under the flagship project of the State Governor, Gombe Goes Green has undertaken climate actions that have supported sustainable landscape management in the state.

He said with the support of ACReSAL the state has in the last four years planted over four million trees across the state and implemented policy propositions that support sustainable landscape management practices and encourage climate-smart and eco-friendly agricultural practices like the use of organic manure, social and agro-forestry.

According to him, Gombe state is developing adaptation-focused initiatives through a Green Bond to address climate challenges, adding that the state was participating in COP29 to advance its environmental agenda and continue its efforts against climate change through Sustainable Financing for Climate Resilience and Adaptation.

Dr. Sani Adamu disclosed that the state needed to access the global expertise, best practices, and essential partnerships for the successful completion, launch, and implementation of its green bond to finance sustainable environmental projects, including renewable energy, reforestation, and waste management programs during the conference.

“The state will engage with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Forests Program for technical assistance in seeking issuance offers co-benefits, including potential revenue from certified emissions receipts. The state is committed to strengthening its forest reserves, particularly as communities or NGOs manage 40%, while 16% are utilized for farming and fruit harvesting, to ensure a sustainable income source for these communities.” He added.

Other panelists during the discussion at the Nigerian Pavillion were Barr. Ladi Jato, Kogi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Sylvester Ibeneme Uchechukwu, GIS Specialist FPMU, and Ahmed Isa-Tela, Kebbi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator.

The discussion was preceded by an opening remark by the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, and the closing remarks were given by the Bauchi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir.

In attendance at the side event were the Honorable Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, MD/CEO Northeast Development Commission Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, the Director General National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, as well as other Nigerian Head of MDAs, and partners across the globe.

It will be recalled that COP 29 started on November 11th and will end on November 22nd, 2024.