Governor Diri Announces State’s Support for Proposed UN Convention on River Deltas at International Conference in China
Bayelsa State has approved the establishment of the governance secretariat of DeltasUNite, a global environmental initiative aimed at protecting the world’s river deltas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Governor Douye Diri disclosed this on Monday during the opening of the three-day Fifth United Nations Ocean Decade Conference on Mega Deltas and the commencement of China-Africa cooperation on river basins, coastal zones and delta governance at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.
The conference attracted participants from about 23 countries, including United Nations officials, policymakers, researchers, scholars, environmental non-governmental organisations and representatives of affected communities.
Governor Diri declared his support for the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas (UNCRD), explaining that the planned governance secretariat would provide a platform for bringing together affected communities, scientists, governments and investors to develop practical solutions and promote inclusive governance in addressing the environmental challenges confronting river deltas worldwide.
The governor, who chaired the opening session, also advocated stronger China-Africa cooperation, emphasising the need to give greater attention to the sustainable development of river basins, coastal zones and deltas.
He said:
“I have approved the DeltasUNite Governance Secretariat in my state of Bayelsa. It will serve as our platform to bring communities, scientists, governments and, indeed, investors together to identify priorities, share evidence and shape practical, bankable responses.
“If solutions are to last, those who live with the consequences must help to design them, and those who invest must see clear returns for both people and ecosystems. Our responsibility to future generations has no expiry date.
“That conviction underpins my support for the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas. Advancing such a proposal will require sound science, broad consultations, engagement by national and subnational governments, and the appropriate international processes.”
Governor Diri noted that the initiative to institutionalise the protection of river deltas aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 14 on life below water, and Goal 17 on partnerships for the goals.
He added that the initiative would also support progress towards eradicating poverty and hunger and achieving gender equality.
“It also supports progress on poverty, hunger and gender equality. Our commitment to sustainable development must translate into tangible gains for our women and our girls. As environmental shocks threaten livelihoods, water supplies and education, women and girls often face greater hardships.
“We must remember that decisions made upstream affect livelihoods downstream. My state of Bayelsa is ready to share what we are learning, to learn from other states and countries, and to deepen cooperation through DeltasUNite and our international partnerships.
“Let us bring diplomatic resolve, scientific rigour and meaningful community participation to the work ahead of us. Our rivers, coasts and deltas are an inheritance that we are also holding in trust. Our children deserve a chance to know their worth, carry forward their cultures and build secure futures upon this.”
ACCARD Coordinator Commends Diri’s Leadership
In his remarks, the Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD), Mr. Freeman Oluowo, who serves as the international facilitator of the DeltasUNite initiative, commended the Bayelsa State Government and Governor Diri for their courage, leadership and support for the campaign to protect river deltas.
Oluowo also praised the governor’s bottom-up leadership approach, which he said creates opportunities for indigenous people and local communities to participate in decision-making processes.
He expressed optimism that the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas would become a reality, disclosing that work on the initiative had reached the White Paper report stage.
According to him, the report would soon be submitted to the global body, adding that a formal pronouncement could follow through continued engagement with stakeholders across the world’s delta regions.
“The DeltasUNite is diverse. It is an initiative that is UN-recognised and approved. As you all may know, the United Nations does not give you everything completely. It wants to see your actions and work. And we have done our best navigating the site,” he said.
Governor Diri’s entourage included the Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ololo; the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin; and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Kindly share
