Stakeholders gathered at the Rites on the Beach Festival Symposium 2024 in Lagos on Monday to discuss the importance of sustainable environmental practices in Nigeria’s coastal areas. With the theme “Social Justice,” the event highlighted the need for effective environmental stewardship to combat the growing challenges faced by coastal communities.
Angela Emuwa, Chairman of the Board of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, emphasized the importance of environmental justice, noting that coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, including oil spills and deforestation. “Our coastal communities, rich in biodiversity, face significant threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and depleting resources,” she stated. Emuwa urged the adoption of practices such as reforestation, mangrove restoration, and sustainable fisheries, which would not only mitigate climate change but also create economic opportunities.
Dennis Aideloje, representing Ekuma Eze, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, pointed out the critical issue of plastic pollution in Nigeria’s coastal and marine environments. He stressed that the accumulation of plastic waste is detrimental to marine biodiversity, human health, and economic activity. “The PET bottles littering our beaches and waterways represent a broader environmental crisis that requires immediate attention,” Aideloje said. He called for collective action to reduce plastic pollution and highlighted the importance of maintaining natural carbon sinks like forests, oceans, and mangroves to combat climate change effectively.
Heine Melevik, CEO of Carbon Limits Nigeria, discussed the role of carbon markets in addressing greenhouse gas emissions. He outlined the potential of clean development mechanism (CDM) projects, including four flaring CDM projects in Nigeria, which contribute to global emission reductions.
The symposium underscored the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices in Nigeria’s coastal regions, aiming to inspire a sense of responsibility and foster environmental stewardship among the public.
