NCF DG, Joseph Onoja, Advocates for Climate, Biodiversity Finance at COP29

Bennett Oghifo 

The Director General, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja has urged the international community to provide global support to implement nature-based solutions in Africa. 

According to a statement issued by the 

Media & Communications Manager, NCF, Olusomi Oduguwa, the director general made the appeal at the COP29. The NCF delegation was led by Dr. Onoja who was part of the Nigerian Government delegation and was fully involved in all the high-powered negotiations. 

Onoja also featured in many bilateral meetings and side events like Building Resilience, Ecosystems and Communities through Nature-based Interventions, High Level Policy Dialogue on water Transversality for Climate Adaptation and Resilience via Multi-stakeholder Partnerships.

Conversations at COP29 centered on increasing Global Climate Finance, advancing urban climate resilience, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Onoja, a seasoned conservationist and environmental advocate, delivered a compelling presentation during the session on “Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Africa.” Highlighting Nigeria’s biodiversity and the role of conservation in mitigating climate change, he emphasized the critical importance of preserving ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and mangroves to enhance climate resilience and ensure sustainable livelihoods for communities.

He drew attention to successful initiatives by the NCF, such as the restoration of degraded forests in Nigeria and the promotion of community-led conservation projects.

Call for Inclusive Climate Financing: Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations, Dr. Onoja advocated for equitable access to climate financing. He called on developed nations to fulfill their commitments to fund adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.

Engagement in High-Level Panels: Dr. Onoja participated in several high-level discussions, including a panel on ” Building Resilience, Ecosystems and Communities through Nature-based Interventions” where he shared insights on integrating local knowledge and community leadership into conservation strategies.

Networking for Conservation Impact: Onoja engaged with international partners, fostering collaborations to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to address climate change challenges. Meetings with representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the BirdLife International and other organizations laid the groundwork for future partnerships.

Speaking on his experience at COP29, Onoja remarked, “The conference has reaffirmed the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change. Nature is at the heart of our solutions, and it is imperative that we work together to protect our planet for future generations. Nigeria has a pivotal role to play, and the NCF remains committed to leveraging the outcomes of COP29 to drive sustainable conservation and climate action in Nigeria and beyond. “

The post Baku COP29 outlook looks bright for the world and for Africa. NCF acknowledges the progress made at COP29, particularly the agreement on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to triple climate finance, reaching $300 billion annually by 2035. This aligns with Africa’s need for robust financial support to enhance adaptation and mitigation efforts, especially in vulnerable communities. The Loss and Damage Fund also provides much-needed resources for countries suffering from the irreversible impacts of climate change.

African countries are therefore encouraged to craft climate plans for tapping into the secured $300 billion in carbon finance annually by 2035. They should leverage existing local endowments, renewable energy, natural resources and a young workforce to create pathways to climate-positive growth in Africa

He said, “The statement by Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary at the closing ceremony of COP29 is very reassuring and encouraging: “This deal will keep the clean energy boom growing and protect billions of lives.  It will help all countries to share in the huge benefits of bold climate action: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all. But like any insurance policy – it only works – if the premiums are paid in full, and on time.”

However, in as much as the climate conference achieved an increase in climate financing, there is still a long way to go.  It is important to note that there’s still a huge golf in funding for activities that harm nature, which is thirty times more, compared to those that preserve it. The promised funding of $300 billion dollars is a meager 10% of the yearly allocation for global energy infrastructure. We hope that the funding provision keeps increasing in the years to come.

“The NCF’s participation at COP29 aligns with its mission to promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Through this global platform, the foundation continues to amplify its voice and strengthen its resolve to combat the climate crisis.”