by Josiah Egbilika
The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) was represented at The Stakeholders Round Table Discussion and Training on Air Quality. The event was themed: Improving air quality through strategic partnerships, and it was organized by the Climate Action for Sustainability and Environmental Protection (C.A.S.E) to mark the World Earth Day.
The project seeks to build a Climate smart generation of young people through strategic initiatives such as Climate Literacy, Environmental Clubs Governance and use of Evidence Based Research. The problem of Soot has been a strategic menace to residents and visitors alike and therefore this project seeks to ensure early mainstreaming of young people to taking responsibility to protecting their environments and saying No to illegal refining.
As part of CEHRD’s contribution to ensuring quality Air in Rivers State and Nigeria, CEHRD’s representative, Nyiaghan, Baridapsi made a presentation on “Strengthening Air Quality Literacy for Informed Citizen and Government Protection Action in Rivers State”. In her presentation, she listed sources of Air pollution, the benefits of quality air and ways to tracking Air quality, the Link between Air quality and Climate change and the roles of stakeholders. Nyiaghan also spoke on the place of youths as agents of improved Air quality and the importance of Mangrove to Air quality improvement.
Special guests appearance were: A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Gokana, Chairman, House committee on Environment, Hon. Dumle Maol; A representative of the mayor of Port Harcourt and others who made several commitments.
It is important to note that CEHRD has Environment clubs and school clubs in communities across Rivers and Bayelsa States and will continue to raise awareness and build their capacity on Air quality and Climate change.
CEHRD will continue to advocate for Environmental preservation and management using best practices.