Experts, Journalists, Civil Society Organizations and Government Representatives on Environment in Kaduna at a three days workshop organized by an NGO, Bridge that Gap Initiative wants a whole of society approach in addressing environmental and climate change issues in the state.
Presenting a paper at the workshop, the Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Daniel Onoja who spoke on the topic,“Climate Science Basics, the Impact of Deforestation” explained that deforestation has severe consequences, to include the environmental degradation such as soil erosion, desertification, loss of tree cover, flooding which threaten food security, loss of economic resources. increased poverty and migration.
He advocated for enforcement of regulations to the ban on felling down of trees for charcoal production and other purposes, saying the impact cannot be over emphasised.
Also speaking, a Veteran Journalist and publisher of Environs News, Mr. Michael Simire who presented various papers at the workshop stressed the need for journalists to take environment reporting seriously saying based on data and statistics, Nigeria has loss significant numbers of it’s forest and the staggering in taking real decisions and enforcement in tackling the issue, has a real consequences for millions of Nigerians.
He called on Journalists to build a compelling narrative, employed a multi-pronged data strategy, focus on solution journalism, while be guided by ethical principles of the job.
On his part, the representative of the Commissioner of Environment in Kaduna State who is the Deputy Director of Forestry in the State Ministry of Environment, Godwin Jaddi Micheal reaffirmed the State government strong recognition of climate change issues saying the ministry is working hard to prevent human activities against environment.
He noted that some steps taking to stop charcoal production and it’s sales include the establishment of forestry guards as well as the law that bans it and assured that the ministry would continue to ensure that the law banning the production and sale of charcoal is fully implemented.
On her part, the organiser and a Consortium partner for the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change Engagement, PACE , Ms Gloria Kasang Bulus explained that the workshop which is tagged “Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative: Strengthening Journalism and Reporting on Climate Related Issues” was part of the program funded by UK International Development and PACE been carried out in three Northern states of Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna with the sole aim of addressing environment and climate change issues affecting the people.
She added that through conscious and collective efforts from all stakeholders, while having in mind the health implications, dangers and the negative impacts of climate change, a lot can be achieved and improved upon for the greater good of the society.
COV: Naomi Anzaku
