LAGOS/Nigeria: In a concerted effort to bolster environmental conservation efforts and empower coastal communities, Revamp Rave Network orchestrated an important conference on Saturday, aimed at instilling knowledge and strategies for safeguarding oceans, aquatic life, and human well-being. The event, titled the “Coastal Rural Community Conference on Climate Change 2024,” convened representatives from five Lagos coastal communities, including Epe, Ikorodu, Agoro-Oyingbo, Mosafejo, and Badagry.
Hosted in Maryland and broadcasted in a hybrid format, the conference focused on the theme “Strengthening the Capacity of Coastal Communities in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation for more Ocean Governance.” Distinguished guests, including traditional rulers, artisans, and governmental representatives from Lagos State and Federal Departments of Fisheries and the Environment, graced the occasion.
Abimbola Abikoye, the visionary founder of Revamp Rave Network, underscored the conference’s mission to enlighten communities on climate change issues and ocean conservation, particularly delving into the challenges confronting fishing communities. Abikoye emphasized the necessity of bridging policy gaps to address the ecological ramifications of climate change, which imperil both livelihoods and ecosystems.
“There is a gap in our policies. Our policies are good but they don’t often fit into the peculiarities of our situation,” Abikoye remarked. “So this program is to enhance their capacity, inform them, get to hear from them possible solutions or things they think that they can use to help themselves build more resilience.”
Dr. Oluseyi Soremikun, Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Abuja, contributed virtually, elucidating the perils of plastic pollution on marine life and elucidating the nexus between human activities, fish scarcity, flooding, and climate change. Drawing from his research on the Ogun River, Dr. Soremikun debunked misconceptions surrounding flooding while advocating for proactive measures against plastic pollution to safeguard future generations.
Omoragbon Wellington, Director of the Department of Fisheries at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Hunyinbo Sewanu, underscored the imperative of collective action in addressing oceanic distress. Sewanu elucidated on the challenges faced by small-scale fishermen and underscored the vital role of collaboration in protecting, preserving, and restoring the marine environment.
Participant voices further emphasized the urgency of governmental collaboration and supportive measures to ameliorate the myriad challenges faced by coastal communities. Pastor Raphael Hezekiah and Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogidi articulated the pressing issues of displacement, environmental degradation, and economic hardship, highlighting the pivotal role of initiatives like Revamp Rave Network’s conference in fostering sustainable solutions and empowering local stakeholders.
As the conference concluded, it left an indelible mark, igniting a collective resolve to confront environmental threats, foster resilience, and pave the way for a sustainable future for coastal communities and marine ecosystems alike.
