The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) made a strong case for nature-based solutions and inclusive climate financing during the recently concluded Baku Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
The conference brought together world leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders from nearly 200 countries to address pressing climate issues and establish new goals for adaptation, mitigation, and finance.
Leading the NCF delegation, the foundation’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, played a pivotal role in high-level discussions, bilateral meetings, and side events. Dr. Onoja, a conservation expert, underscored Nigeria’s potential to combat climate change through ecosystem preservation, including forests, wetlands, and mangroves.
Advocacy for Nature-Based Solutions
Dr. Onoja highlighted the success of the NCF’s initiatives, including forest restoration and community-led conservation projects.
He stressed the importance of global collaboration to scale up such solutions across Africa, leveraging nature’s resilience to combat climate challenges effectively.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries, Dr. Onoja called on developed nations to honor their commitments to climate finance.
He emphasized the urgent need for equitable funding to support adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.
Dr. Onoja participated in various discussions, notably a panel on “Building Resilience, Ecosystems, and Communities through Nature-Based Interventions.”
He shared insights on integrating local knowledge into conservation strategies and empowering communities to lead climate resilience efforts.
Global Partnerships for Conservation
Engaging with international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and BirdLife International, Dr. Onoja fostered collaborations to strengthen Nigeria’s response to climate challenges.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Dr. Onoja stated, “The outcomes of COP29 reaffirm the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change.
“Nature is at the core of our solutions, and Nigeria, through the NCF, is committed to driving sustainable conservation and climate action for future generations.”
The conference achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to triple global climate finance, reaching $300 billion annually by 2035.
This move aligns with Africa’s demand for robust financial support to address climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.
Additionally, the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund provides a lifeline for countries grappling with irreversible climate impacts.
However, experts at the conference, including Dr. Onoja, cautioned that the $300 billion target remains a fraction of the global energy infrastructure budget, urging a continuous increase in climate financing.
African nations were encouraged to craft innovative climate plans to access secured carbon finance, leveraging renewable energy, natural resources, and a young workforce to chart a sustainable growth path.
Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, noted during the closing ceremony, “This deal will keep the clean energy boom growing and protect billions of lives.
However, like any insurance policy, it only works if the premiums are paid in full and on time.”
The NCF reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Its participation at COP29 strengthens its resolve to combat the climate crisis while amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global
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