Bayelsa to Host Governance Centre on Global River Deltas

Bayelsa State has approved the hosting of the governance secretariat of DeltasUNite, a global environmental initiative to protect the world’s deltas.

Governor Douye Diri disclosed this on Monday during the opening of a three-day 5th United Nations Ocean Decade Conference on Mega Deltas and the commencement of the China-Africa cooperation on river, coastal zone, and delta governace at the East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.

The conference attracted participants from about 23 countries, including UN officials, policy makers, researchers, scholars, pro-environment non-governmental organisations and representatives of impacted communities.

The Bayelsa governor declared support for the proposed United Nations Convention on the River Deltas (UNCRD) and stated the governance secretariat, when established, would serve as a platform to bring impacted communities, scientists, government and investors together, in order to advance practical responses and inclusive governance to the environmental challenges confronting global delta, their security and sustainability.

Senator Diri, who chaired the opening session, also advocated better China-Africa cooperation, saying there was need to give greater attention to sustainable development of river basins, coastal zones and the 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 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 sub-national governments, and the appropriate international processes.”

He noted the effort to institutionalise preservation of the deltas was in tandem with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Six on clean water and sanitation, Goal 13 on climate change and climate action as well as Goal 14 (life below water) and Goal 17 (partnership for the goals)

“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, to deepen cooperation through the DeltasUNite, and our international partnerships.

“Let us bring diplomatic resolve, scientific rigor, and meaningful community participation to the work ahead of us. Our rivers, coasts, and deltas are 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.”

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD), Mr. Freeman Oluowo, who is the international facilitator of the DeltasUNite initiative, commended the Bayelsa State government and Governor Diri’s courage, leadership and support for the campaign.

Oluowo also lauded the governor’s bottom-top leadership style, which he said creates opportunity for the indigenous and local people to have a voice in decision making.

He said the UN Convention on River Deltas would become a reality as the work had reached the White Paper report stage.

Oluowo explained that the report would soon be submitted to the global body, and that it was only a matter of time, working with all stakeholders in the deltas, for the pronouncement to be made.

“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.

On the governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ololo, his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin, and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.