Author Archives: sppnigeria

The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) convened a two-day conference on 14th and 15th September 2024 in Lagos, with the theme “A Clarion Call to Defend the Deep.” Held at Nevada Hotels, Lekki, the event gathered climate scientists, activists, CSOs, and stakeholders from various parts of Nigeria to discuss the critical issues surrounding deep-sea mining and its implications for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.

Dr Felicia Chinwe Mogo, one of the keynote speakers, stressed the importance of adhering to regional conventions for better protection of the marine environment. “The Abject Convention Secretaries of 2016 laid the groundwork for many of the protections we have today. It is imperative we build upon these frameworks to ensure that our engagements in deep-sea mining do not compromise our marine ecosystems,” she said.

Dr Mogo also highlighted Nigeria’s involvement in deep-sea mining as a unique opportunity for economic development. “Nigeria is at a crucial juncture where we can harness our deep-sea resources to fuel our economy while maintaining an ecological balance. This is an opportunity we must seize, but we cannot afford to ignore the environmental risks. Proper environmental impact assessments and adherence to international standards are key,” she added.

The conversation at the conference also brought attention to the widespread concerns of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) activities in Nigerian waters. Dr Mogo called for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms to curb such practices.

Another speaker, Dr Isa Elegbede, advocated for a 10-year moratorium on deep-sea mining in Nigeria, citing the need for more comprehensive resource mapping and environmental assessments. “We need to hit the brakes on deep-sea mining until we fully understand its impacts” Dr Elegbede argued. He urged the government to prioritise sustainability, advocating for capacity building and a stronger focus on research-driven policies.

Mr Lasisi Adedoyin from the the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, also voiced the need for sustainable practices in future mining activities. “We are sitting on a potential revenue source that could significantly benefit Nigeria. But we must proceed with caution. Without comprehensive studies and stakeholder engagement, the consequences could be devastating to our marine life,” he remarked.

A key highlight of the conference was the focus on the role of seabed mining in energy transition. According to Mr Nnaji Charles, another participant and climate activist, “Deep-sea mining is pivotal to the energy transition because cobalt, an essential element in the manufacturing of lithium batteries, is typically mined from the ocean floor. However, this must be balanced with the fact that deep-sea mining also causes high levels of carbon sequestration and results in a significant loss of biodiversity. This is a delicate balance we need to manage.”

Charles went on to discuss the critical role of the Climate Change Act in ensuring that deep-sea mining in Nigeria aligns with sustainable practices. He argued that with proper regulation, deep-sea mining could become a key driver of Nigeria’s blue economy while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The conference ended with a collective call to action from all speakers. Dr Elegbede emphasised the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, stating, “The protection of our deep seas cannot be left solely to the government. Civil society, scientific communities, and local stakeholders must be involved to ensure that our oceans are preserved for future generations.”

The event also concluded with several actionable steps, including calling on the Lagos State government to increase their surveillance and regulation of local sand mining, and the need for the Federal Government to conduct further research into the impacts of deep-sea mining.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of deep-sea mining, the message from the Lagos conference was clear: sustainable development must take precedence. Only through international cooperation, rigorous environmental assessments, and transparent regulation can Nigeria fully realise the potential of its marine resources without compromising the health of its oceans.

The Lagos SOA conference provided a forum for robust debate and reflection on Nigeria’s role in the evolving landscape of deep-sea mining and its intersection with environmental sustainability.

Stakeholders from across various sectors came together in Lagos for a critical consultation aimed at tackling the city’s pressing air quality challenges. The event is part of the CLEAN Air Project; and themed “Synthesized Pan-Sectorial Air Quality Management Recommendations for Lagos State, Nigeria”, was held at the American Corner, Ikeja, Lagos.

The consultation marked a significant step under the “Evidence Use in Environmental Policymaking in Nigeria (EUEPIN) Project,” which seeks to foster the collaboration of researchers, policymakers, and environmental advocates to improve air quality management across Nigeria, with Lagos as the starting point.

The Clean Air Project, supported by the US Department of State, is a regional initiative that advocates for cleaner air in African cities through participatory monitoring, modelling, and policy development. Its goal is to mobilize stakeholders to achieve sustainable air quality management. Dr. Rose Alani, one of the contributors to the project, highlighted the significance of the effort: “This project is called Clean Air for Healthier Cities: Scaling up participatory monitoring, modelling, and Advocacy towards achieving clean air in West and East African Cities. Although we are beginning with Lagos, the intention is to eventually expand to other cities across the country as resources become available.”

Dr. Alani further emphasized that while air pollution is a recognized issue, policies to address it have been inadequate. “There’s a serious problem of air pollution, but little has been done in terms of policies to manage air quality effectively. This is why we are gathered here today—to brainstorm and formulate recommendations that can drive meaningful change in Lagos’ air quality management.”

Participants at the consultation included researchers, policymakers, environmental practitioners, and civil society representatives, who engaged in robust discussions aimed at formulating actionable solutions to Lagos’ air pollution crisis. The event focused on addressing pollution from various sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and domestic practices.

Dr. Olatokunbo Christopher Okiki provided insight into the Working Group (WG) methodology employed in the study, which includes systematic reviews, content analysis, and peer-reviewed literature. “The WG method consists of several key components, including a systematic review, content analysis, and information retrieval. We are assessing peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, reports, theses, and dissertations to identify evidence-based solutions for air quality management,” said Dr. Okiki.

Meanwhile, Dr Temitope Sogbanmu elaborated on the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure that the recommendations are comprehensive and actionable. “We are not trying to replicate what others have done; rather, we are consolidating and pushing for actionable recommendations. This is a pan-sectorial activity where we have brought together stakeholders from various sectors to ensure all critical areas of air quality management are addressed,” Dr Sogbanmu explained. She also acknowledged the limitations of academic researchers in influencing policy directly, stating, “We are not policymakers; we are brokers. Our role is to facilitate interactions between evidence producers and users, but the actual policy development lies with the government.”

Mr Chrales Nnaji drew attention to several overlooked yet critical issues affecting air quality in Lagos highlighting the potential of the Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021 to serve as a framework for environmental governance.

Mr Nnaji emphasized the need for initiatives such as Clean Cooking Programs to improve indoor air quality, particularly in densely populated areas. He raised concerns about the environmental impact of ageing mass transit vehicles, which have become significant sources of CO2 emissions. Rather than being recycled, these vehicles are often sold to commercial operators, perpetuating the problem. He addressed the growing number of unregulated food vendors who use firewood for cooking indoors and outdoors, further contributing to poor air quality in many neighbourhoods.

The consultation was both a continuation of and a build-up of previous discussions held during the Clean Air Forum 2024, where similar topics were addressed. The goal of these meetings is to synthesize findings and provide evidence-based recommendations to Lagos State policymakers that can drive tangible improvements in air quality management.

Dr. Alani noted, “We are laying the groundwork for an improved air quality management system in Lagos. The work we do here is crucial, not just for Lagos but as a model that can be scaled across other Nigerian cities facing similar challenges.”

With ongoing support from the US Department of State and international collaborators, such as Makerere University in Uganda, the CLEAN Air Project aims to establish a strong foundation for sustainable air quality management in Lagos and beyond. The recommendations from this consultation will be synthesized into a formal policy brief, which will be presented to the Lagos State government with the hope of influencing future environmental policies and practices.

Deadline: Nov 12, 2024

Donor: Global Disaster Preparedness Center

Grant Type: Grant

Grant Size: Up-to $10,000

The GDPC small grants supports applied,original and impactful research in low-and middle-income countries, that can inform policy, planning community action, etc. With 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, it aims to deepen understanding on urban climate resilience. The program is designed to building more resilient urban environments in face of the climate change.

This award provides up to 10,000 USD for research lasting up to eight months, with a completion deadline of September 30, 2025.

 

Research Topics:

• Community-Led Climate Adaptation and Resilience Solutions in Cities
  1. Community-driven Innovations for Adaptation
  2. Participatory Urban Planning

• Socio_Economic and Industrial Drivers of Climate Resilience in Cities
  1. Socio-economic Pathways to Resilience
  2. Urban Climate Governance

• Urban Ecosystems for Resilience
  1. Climate-Resilient Urban Ecosystem
  2. Community-Based Approaches to Nature-Based Solutions

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission, including graduate (Master’s and PhD) students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members. Teams of researchers are welcome to submit proposals, and collaboration among different institutions is highly encouraged.
• Identification of an experienced supervisor is required for any student research teams. The supervisor should provide guidance and oversight throughout the research process.
• Applications are open to researchers who are nationals of low- and middle-income countries, including least developed and upper-middle-income nations. Research must be focused on these countries. A list of eligible countries can be found here.
• Proposed research projects must align with one of the program’s defined topics and clearly demonstrate how they contribute to the selected area of focus.
• Projects must be feasible for completion within the eight-month program timeline, running from February to September 30, 2025.
• Researchers may conduct their research in any language, but the final research paper must be submitted in English. If translation into English is needed, the budget proposal should include estimated costs for translation services.
• Research must be original, and plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification at any stage of the grant process.

Selection Criteria

Eligible proposals will be reviewed by an expert panel consisting of representatives from GDPC, IFRC, and other humanitarian organizations. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Scientific meritand rigor, clearly demonstrating how the proposed research advances current knowledge and fills critical gaps.
• Relevanceand the alignment of the proposed research with one of the defined research topics, demonstrating a clear understanding of the research question and how the project contributes to the program’s overall objectives.
• Potential impact and applicabilityof research in informing policy and practice to more effectively take action in strengthening climate resilience.
• A thorough understanding of potential ethical concernsand implications associated with the research, along with strategies to mitigate and address these issues.
• Qualifications and expertiseof the Principal Investigator and key co-investigators (if applicable) to carry out the proposed research. This includes an assessment of the research team’s capability and relevant experience in implementing the proposed project projects, supported by evidence of relevant skills and a proven track record in delivering similar projects.
• Reasonable and realistic budget proposal, including a detailed expense breakdown. For details on eligible and ineligible costs, refer to the FAQ section
• A clear and achievable timeline demonstrating the ability to complete and submit the final research paper by September 30, 2025, or earlier.

Added Value:

• Cross-collaboration and partnership between various institutions. Letter of support from a relevant partner institution should be included in the application.

For More Information: https://preparecenter.org/activity/gdpc-research-activities/call-for-applications-research-grants-on-urban-climate-resilience/

Application Form: https://preparecenter.org/activity/gdpc-research-activities/call-for-applications-research-grants-on-urban-climate-resilience/application-form/

 

Kectile Youth Leadership Programme in Developing Countries

Deadline: Nov 15, 2024

Donor: Kectile

Grant Type: Training

Grant Size: Not available

Area: Leadership, Youth & Adolescents

The Kectile Youth Leadership Program for Talented Youth in Developing Countries is a multiple-week modules training programme with deep dive challenging assignments to address hot issues facing youth globally, led by experts and key youth leaders. Join community engagements to implement social advancements, meet and network with talented passionate youth around the world, and make life-long global friends who share your commitment to advance society.

Kectile is a non-political, religious or cultural organisation which transcends every form of bias. Expect an authentic, honest and candid dialogue environment, good government, peace-keeping, entrepreneurship and innovation, mental health, etc. Merit-based certificates will be awarded at the end of the program.

Eligibility

• High potential youth
• Have demonstrated a talent and passion for leadership, scholarship and innovation
• Proficient in English
• Aged 17-26
• From least developing countries
• Have access to a computer and the internet

 

For More Information: https://kectil.com/

Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN-u19C2N2cLBUCdICuNNbZB5Q1AuNCroj3kQ3GTBLGyncqg/viewform

Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) 2024

Deadline: Nov 01, 2024

Donor: Science for Nature and People Partnership

Grant Type: Events

Grant Size: $500,000 to $1 million

Countries/Regions: All Countries

Area: Climate Change, Energy, Environment, Science, Sustainable Development, Water Management

The Science for Nature and People Partnership is requesting proposal applications to fund expert teams to deliver rapid solutions to the most critical challenges facing humans and our planet.

SNAPP, a first-of-its-kind scientific joint venture between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is a tool for developing sustainable solutions to global conservation challenges. Since inception, SNAPP, through its working groups, has provided science and user-friendly tools backed by hard data to identify and quantify nature’s role and value in preventing and solving some of the most complex challenges the world faces around food and water security, climate change, and energy.

Each year, SNAPP provides up to US $1 million total across 4-6 approved working groups, led by academic, governmental agency, multilateral, or nonprofit institutions. SNAPP funds teams of 12-15 people from diverse organizations to gather for 3-4 collaborative sessions over the course of 12-24 months. Between sessions, members collaborate remotely; work with long-term implementation partners; identify emerging opportunities for tangible, lasting change; develop and test tools and products; and publish research.

Full SNAPP proposals are evaluated on the following criteria:
Research Question The question(s) that the proposal will address are clearly at the intersection of nature conservation and sustainable development, are critically important, and the proposed work will add value to the current state of knowledge.

Methods: The proposal clearly incorporates both biophysical and socioeconomic methods and analysis. The choice of methods is appropriate for the question(s).

Data: The data and information sources are interdisciplinary and include both biophysical and socioeconomic sciences. Datasets or sources of information the applicant anticipates using for this project are comprehensive and appropriate for addressing the question using methods described.

Implementation: The proposal specifically outlines which organizations are eager for the scientific results from this group, and it is reasonably clear how they will be used to improve conservation and sustainable development policy and practice. Detailed letters of support are included from these organizations.

Inclusion: The group composition includes confirmed members representing diversity in sectors and disciplines. This is a collaborative effort with no one or two organizations dominating. Group demographics and worldviews are varied and inclusive of the Global South and other groups less dominant in academic literature.

Research Fellows: The proposal budget includes at least one full-time research fellow with a well-thought-out mentorship plan.

How To Apply

Before developing a full proposal for the 2024 SNAPP RFP, applicants should submit a “concept note” through SNAPP online portal for review.

To start a concept note, log into the system or create an account the link Register: https://awards.snappartnership.net/profile.asp.

Then navigate to the “My Dashboard” menu within the system.

All submitted concept notes will receive written feedback within 10 business days on which aspects of your ideas could be the best fit for SNAPP’s scope and what would need to be strengthened to make your proposal competitive. Be sure to review the What We Fund tab before crafting your concept note. Only concept notes submitted through the SNAPP portal will receive feedback.

For More Information: https://awards.snappartnership.net/