by The 2024 second International Conference of the college of Natural Resources and Environmental Management CNREM, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, has commenced with a charge on the participants to come up with practical solutions to environmental and climate change problems.
Speaking at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike MOUAU, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti while regretting that the reality of climate change and it’s effects are becoming more apparent as exemplified by more frequent floods, droughts, worsening erosion, heat waves and storms, stressed the need for all to support governments efforts in finding adaptation and mitigation solutions to address the additional challenge of climate change.
Governor otti while describing the theme of the conference, “Nature Solutions for Supporting Natural Resources and Empowering the People”, as apt, disclosed that his administration is partnering the organizers of the conference based on his commitment towards the promotion of sound economic growth founded on sustainable environment that will guarantee healthy development for future generation.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna explained that his administration is vigorously protecting over fifteen forest reserves in the state as a means of mitigating climate change, protecting against erosion, conserving biodiversity and sustaining the livelihood of many communities, also added that his administration is mindful of the Memorable of Understanding it signed with MOUAU and will ensure that the goal of that framework is fully realized.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe said the university has attained significant milestones in it’s bid to position itself among the centres of excellence in Nigeria and beyond, pointing out that their aim is to provide a knowledge base for achieving food security and to revolutionize agriculture through training, extensive and adequate research at all levels of learning.
In his welcome address, the Dean, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, MOUAU, Prof. Princewill Ogbonna while welcoming all to the conference, disclosed that nature-based solutions emphasize the maximization of natural processes and natural resources to manage environmental challenges with minimal costs.
Also speaking, the chairman, local organizing committee of CNREM’24 second International Conference, Prof. E. C Nzegbule said the conference seeks to explore scientific findings with focus on nature-based solutions to many of the environmental and development related challenges, and appreciated the state government and the university for partnering the college in executing the conference.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “Nature Solutions for Supporting Natural Resources and Empowering the People”, the keynote speaker and Conservator General, Nigeria National Park Services Abuja, Dr Ibrahim Goni identified the establishment of national parks, reforestation and afforestation, sustainable land management, wetland, marine and coastal conservation, sustainable Agricultural practices, water recycling and reuse, renewable energy technologies among others as part of natural climate based solutions that can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
The conference which featured paper presentations, goodwill messages, exhibition at the CNREM college premises, attracted the presence of the permanent secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Izuchukwu Onwughara, his Environment counterpart, Lady Joy Maduka among other notable personalities.
