Latest news with #EndingPlasticPollution
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission joins nigerian ministry of environment to commemorate World environment Day, championing action against plastic pollution
The ECOWAS Commission in a significant collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment's Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics, on the 17th of June, 2025 celebrated the 2025 World Environment Day. The commemorative event, held in Abuja, Nigeria, themed: ' Ending Plastic Pollution' with the slogan 'Beat the plastic' Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of H.E. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, and H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. He underscored the profound significance of the occasion, particularly as it coincided with ECOWAS's Jubilee Year, marking five decades of regional solidarity, integration and shared responsibility. Mr. Bernard Koffi reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to fostering a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for current and future generations. He highlighted ECOWAS's proactive stance in addressing persistent environmental challenges, including the adoption of a regional regulation on plastic management in 2023, which mandates member states to harmonize their plastic waste management regulations. Furthermore, ECOWAS Vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a crucial pillar for inclusive development and emphasizes the vital role of fostering youth-driven climate action, acknowledging that the future belongs to them. He concluded by urging tangible action over mere words and unity over indifference, stating, 'The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today.' And that the commisson remains resolutely committed to working alongside member states to beat Pollution. In his keynote address, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Honorable Minister of Environment, emphasized the critical global urgency of this year's theme, 'Ending Plastic Pollution.' He stressed that plastic pollution transcends environmental concerns, posing significant economic and public health crises. The Minister highlighted the alarming rate at which plastic waste infiltrates oceans, rivers and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and exacerbating urban flooding. Minister Lawal outlined Nigeria's initiatives, including the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which obliges producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their plastic products. He expressed profound appreciation to all development partners, particularly the ECOWAS Commission, commending its steadfast partnership in environmental governance, climate change response, and sustainable development across the West African sub-region, as well as its leadership in addressing transboundary environmental issues. Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, delivered the welcome address, reinforcing the dire threat plastic waste poses to ecosystems, public health, and the planet. He stated, 'Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, clogging waterways, endangering marine life, and contaminating our food systems.' Mr. Kambari reiterated Nigeria's direct experience with the devastating impacts of plastic waste and issued a clarion call for intensified efforts through effective policy implementation, robust public awareness campaigns, responsible consumption patterns, and strategic investment in sustainable alternatives. He affirmed the Ministry's commitment to advancing circular economy principles, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting innovations that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Mr. Kambari extended sincere commendations to all partners, stakeholders, and environmental advocates for their tireless efforts, urging everyone present to reflect on individual and collective actions to 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The occasion also saw the notable presence of representatives from key organizations, international partners and stakeholders, including UNICEF, Oando Foundation, Oando Clean Energy, OXFAM, Zoom Lion Nigeria, RCEI, RUWES, and the Head of Mission to the Netherlands, alongside invited students from various schools. These stakeholders collectively underscored the paramount importance of a safe environment, emphasizing the pivotal role of women and children as not only integral to addressing climate and environmental issues but also as vital agents of community awareness and crucial actors in forging a greener, plastic-free future. The joint commemoration underscored the shared commitment of ECOWAS and Nigeria to combat plastic pollution through coordinated regional action and national policy implementation, reinforcing their dedication to a sustainable future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Message from the Governor General of Canada on Canadian Environment Week
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian Environment Week reminds us that we all have a role to play to protect the place we love and call home. This year's theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, is an urgent call to action. Every effort, big or small, helps restore our ecosystems, fight climate change and preserve our environment for future generations. We are already witnessing the adverse effects of climate change, from wildfires and floods to melting glaciers and sea ice in the Arctic. These shifts impact our environment, precious resources and way of life. But from coast to coast to coast, people are stepping up: cities are reclaiming green spaces, new projects are blending technology with Indigenous knowledge and communities are sharing sustainable practices that offer viable solutions. Together, let's celebrate our environmental achievements and continue to help protect the unparalleled natural beauty we enjoy across the nation, for ourselves, for our children and for the world we all share. Mary Simon Stay connected:Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. SOURCE Governor General of Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
