By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Climate Africa Media Initiative Centre (CAMIC) has stated that community engagement is key to combating environmental degradation across Africa.
According to CAMIC, environmental degradation, characterized by deforestation, pollution, and the over-exploitation of natural resources, continues to threaten livelihoods, biodiversity, and the sustainability of ecosystems.
It further stated that the devastating impacts of these practices are most evident in communities, where local populations face water scarcity, soil erosion, and health crises stemming from contaminated environments.
CAMIC emphasizes that effective solutions must begin at the community level, empowering citizens to take ownership of their environments.
“Community engagement fosters grassroots movements that are essential for implementing sustainable practices, from waste management and reforestation to clean energy adoption and climate adaptation strategies.
“The fight against environmental degradation cannot be won without the active involvement of communities. It is in these local settings where the impact is felt most profoundly and where meaningful, lasting change can take root,” CAMIC’s Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi stated on Tuesday in a statement.
He informed that CAMIC has undertaken several initiatives to champion community-led environmental action, including workshops and training, youth engagement orograms, and public-private partnerships.
“To further drive this agenda, CAMIC will host a series of dialogues and workshops across Africa to amplify local voices and develop community-specific solutions to environmental challenges.
“CAMIC urges policymakers to invest in community-based programs and include grassroots organizations in environmental planning processes. Moreover, media platforms are encouraged to highlight the success stories of community-driven environmental conservation efforts to inspire action across all sectors of society.
“Together, through collective community action, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come,” Alabi stated.