By Faridat Salifu
BBFORPEACE, the Building Blocks For Peace Foundation, has launched a revolutionary program. Titled ‘Northwest Climate Peace Hubs: A Climate Security Approach to Conflict Prevention,’ which seeks to mitigate the negative effects of these problems on people’s quality of life.
Jointly undertaken by the UNDP and the Norwegian Embassy in Abuja, the program’s main goal is to educate the young of the area about climate change and provide them the tools they need to become change agents in their neighborhoods.
Speaking on behalf of BBFORPEACE, Mr. Gideon Ihuarulam emphasized that Jibia LGA in Katsina and Ilela in Sokoto states were chosen as the centers of training for 500 youth.
The training curriculum encompasses conflict management, dialogue, mediation, and climate action, equipping community members with the necessary skills to address climate-related challenges and foster peace.
Amb. Mustapha Abdurrahman, the Project Officer, emphasized the significance of providing support to young peace builders, ambassadors, and climate activists through micro-grants.
These grants will facilitate tree-planting initiatives in desert-affected areas within Jibia and Ilea, aiming to combat desertification, mitigate climate change impacts, and promote environmental sustainability. Grantees will receive guidance on identifying suitable locations for tree planting to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of their endeavors.
The project emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration, urging stakeholders in Jibia and Ilela to work collectively towards developing sustainable solutions, resolving conflicts, and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
By integrating climate action with conflict prevention strategies, the initiative seeks to address the underlying causes of insecurity and environmental degradation, ultimately fostering peace and resilience in the Northwest region.
Through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations, BBFORPEACE aims to harness collective efforts to confront the complex challenges posed by climate change and insecurity.
By empowering young people as catalysts for change, the foundation envisions a future where Northwest communities thrive harmoniously with their environment, free from the threats of climate-related disasters and conflict.