The Founder of Revamp Rave Network and Convener of Coastal Rural Community Conference on Climate Change, Abimboka Abikoye, has called for more local engagement of rural dwellers in climate change advocacy.
Abikoye made the call at the Coastal Rural Community Conference held on Saturday in Lagos.
She urged the government and corporate bodies to incorporate community insights into climate change policy-making processes across Africa.
Abikoye emphasized on the importance of leveraging local knowledge and perspectives in crafting effective climate change mitigation strategies.
She noted that community-driven approaches were essential for creating sustainable policies that resonate with the realities faced by residents in coastal regions.
The convener said that the conference, among other things is aimed at uniting communities in accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
She stressed that the resolutions formulated during the conference would be documented and presented to government representatives at all levels, with the intent of fostering comprehensive and sustainable policy development.
She further said that the conference was designed with the notion for building robust collaboration frameworks and forging partnerships aimed at catalyzing positive transformations within rural communities.
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the conference sought to lay the groundwork for initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of individuals residing in coastal areas,” Abikoye said.
Speakers at the event in their respective speeches encouraged attendees to take climate change seriously and adopt the best practices in their fishing activities.
They called for heightened awareness and education on climate issues, urging governments, individuals, and NGOs to intensify their efforts in disseminating climate change literacy at the grassroots level.
The speakers also explored the importance of strengthening the capacity of communities on climate adaptation and mitigation for more ocean governance.
The second edition of the Revamp Rave Network Coastal Rural Community Conference on Climate Change had over 500 attendees from 5 major coastal rural communities in Lagos state such as Ikorodu, Mosafejo, Badagry, Epe and Agoro.
The lively atmosphere was punctuated by dance performances, musical interludes, and group photo sessions, symbolizing the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
