Environmental Experts Push Collaboration as African Environmental Society Takes Off
By Salami Abdulrahaman | Pan Afric Reporters
Environmental experts and stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration, increased investment in African-led research, and greater grassroots participation in environmental policymaking to address the continent’s growing environmental challenges.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the African Environmental Society (AES), held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Speaking at the event, the National President of AES, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia said the society was established to bridge the gap between environmental policies, scientific knowledge, and the realities of communities.
Okobia said many environmental policies and strategies were not effectively translated into practical action at the community level, stressing the need for professionals to engage communities in ways that reflect their experiences and needs.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Director of the Climate Change Department, Dr. Asmau Jibril said the inauguration represented a commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
She noted that Africa’s forests, wetlands, rivers, and other natural resources face increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, land degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable resource use.
Jibril urged the society to strengthen environmental research, monitoring, and innovation while placing African knowledge and expertise at the centre of environmental decision-making.
She also called for the inclusion of more women and young people in the leadership of the council, stressing the importance of diverse representation in driving environmental action across the continent.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC) and Executive Director of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Dr. Engr. Ahmed Hamdy said the United Nations had expressed support for the establishment of the society.
He said the platform would provide opportunities for environmental professionals across Africa to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in developing African solutions to common environmental challenges.
The inauguration brought together government representatives, international and regional organisations, diplomatic missions, researchers, academics, civil society organisations, environmental professionals, and the media.
There were also representatives from other African countries, including Benin, Cameroon, and Rwanda, among others.
