COP29: HACEY, RCE Ilorin Advocate for Climate-Resilient Water Management Solutions

HACEY, in collaboration with the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) Ilorin, hosted a webinar to explore innovative strategies for climate-resilient water resource management during the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP29).
The side event convened experts in public health, environmental sustainability, and resource management to address the pressing challenges of water insecurity in the context of climate change. It underscored the severe impacts of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events on water access, health, agriculture, and livelihoods, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Moderating the session, HACEY’s Executive Director, Rhoda Robinson, highlighted the far-reaching implications of water scarcity.
“Water security is fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental stability, yet climate change is threatening access to safe water for billions of people globally. Vulnerable communities, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, face heightened risks of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and economic instability,” she stated.

Panelists delved into diverse facets of water resource challenges and solutions as Professor of Epidemiology and community Health, University of Ilorin, Mohammed Jimoh Saka addressed the public health dimension, noting that water scarcity and contamination exacerbate health crises in vulnerable populations by increasing the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, often compounded by inadequate infrastructure.

While Head of Department, Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Prof. Fola Babalola emphasized the ecological role of forests in regulating water cycles and mitigating climate-related risks such as floods and droughts. He advocated for strategies like reforestation and watershed management to strengthen ecosystems and ensure sustainable water availability.

Global Development expert, Abiola Oshunniyi brought a technological perspective, discussing how digital tools such as IoT devices, geospatial mapping, and precision irrigation can optimize water use, enhance monitoring, and support data-driven sustainable practices.
The webinar spotlighted the critical need for cross-sector collaboration and grassroots involvement to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Robinson stressed, “The solutions must be practical, adaptable, and community-driven to ensure long-term impact. Governments, private sectors, and local communities all have a shared responsibility to mitigate climate impacts on water systems.”

The session concluded with actionable recommendations for key stakeholders to address the growing challenges of water resource management in the face of climate change. Policymakers were urged to update water-related regulations to reflect current climate realities and to create incentives for investments in water infrastructure and conservation projects. The private sector was encouraged to leverage technology and resources to scale innovative solutions and actively support community-driven initiatives. Meanwhile, communities were called upon to engage in water resource planning and adopt sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and reforestation, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability of water resources.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for shared responsibility and innovative approaches to safeguard water resources against climate-induced threats.

Prof. Lawrence Aderemi Olatunji, the Director of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) Ilorin, emphasized the importance of integrating education and community engagement into sustainable water management practices while highlighting how education serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on water resources and empowering communities to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions.

Prof. Olatunji underscored the need for collaborative frameworks that bring together academia, policymakers, and grassroots organizations to create inclusive strategies that address water insecurity, also stressing the significance of fostering local knowledge and building the capacity of individuals and institutions to implement context-specific interventions, ensuring resilience against the growing challenges posed by climate change.