Starrays
By Anber Ray Orbem- (Makurdi).
The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) in partnership with OXFAM through the AACJ project trained 64 community activists on developing climate risk register in Benue state.
The Executive Director, Global Initiative For Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, David Michael in joint press briefing with the Program Manager, GIFSEP, Joseph Ibrahim disclosed this in Makurdi shortly after the end of two days marathon training program recently.
According to the Executive Director, African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) is aimed at building a strong Nigerian movement that mobilizes citizens, companies, and government to advance climate justice.
This initiative he says, marks a significant step towards enhancing the state’s resilience to climate change.
David Michael further stressed that, through the climate change register training, community activists in Benue State have been equipped with skills to identify climate risks that have the highest likelihood and potential to have a significant impact on local communities. In his words,”
The participants at the training were exposed to key concepts such as climate change, climate risk, climate risk management and Climate Risk Register.
” Through visual aids, group presentations amongst others.
The Climate Risk Register is crucial for communities as it aids in disaster risk reduction by enabling effective disaster response, identifying local capacities to cope with climate change, and ensuring accurate risk understanding.
“It also helps ensure that emergency responses do not exacerbate existing vulnerabilities..
” The objectives of this training were to equip community activists with adequate facilitation skills for developing climate risk registers and to run a pilot climate risk register demonstration for community activists”, David Michael stated.
Joseph Ibrahim, The Programme manager of GIFSEP highlighted that the exercise will take place in the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State.
He also highlighted that the Benue State Climate Risk Register will provide a comprehensive document that will guide government subsequent interventions on Climate Change in the State.
