The Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Nigeria Limited, Capt. Wareddi Enisuoh was conferred with the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFEMSI), “Extraordinary Ambassador Award” in recognition of his contribution to the Marine and Blue Economy sector in Nigeria.
Captain Enisuoh was conferred with the Award on Tuesday in Lagos after delivering a key note address on the theme: Achieving Blue Growth in a changing climate (integrating the coastal communities) at a 2- day workshop organised by AFEMSI.
He advised the Federal Government to invest in Carbon credits to attract sustainable development in the Marine and Blue Economy sector..
Carbon credits are a unit of measurement used to quantify the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
One carbon credit is typically equivalent to one metric tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or its equivalent in other GHGs.
Carbon credits get generated through projects and activities that reduce or sequester emissions (Laconic Global).
Captain Enisuoh explained further that Green House Gas Emissions and other challenges of climate change could be converted to employment generating opportunities and development for coastal communities if the potentials are properly harnessed.
According to him, “Carbon credits attracts renewable energy and it can be converted to opportunities through effective use and management of the ocean for development in the country.
“Nigeria has the potentials to create jobs and reduce risk if the country develops a good sustainable ocean plan. The country needs a long term economic and social development by protecting the marine areas that will attract development with the aims of maximising profit” he said.
He identified impacts of deforestation, animal farming, crops harvesting, use of diesels, gas lines, ships and ports which according to him constitutes 3-5 percent of Green House Gas Emission as some of the resources that the country could control to achieve blue growth results.
President and Founder, AFEMSI and Convener of the symposium and workshop, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo called for collaboration of coastal communities and all stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy sector towards promoting marine regulation and development.
In her words, “We must be united by our shared commitment to achieving sustainable blue growth in Africa, particularly in the context of our rapidly changing climate. As we continue to explore the vast opportunities that the blue economy presents, it is imperative that we also reflect on the direction we, as a community, are taking and the future targets we must set to realize our collective vision for Africa’s oceans and coastal communities,” she said.
AFMESI was founded to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of our marine and coastal environments while fostering economic growth that benefits not just businesses but also the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on these precious resources.
Over the years, AFMESI according to her has championed numerous projects and initiatives in Nigeria, and across Africa, aimed at protecting the country’s marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and advancing policy frameworks that support sustainable marine practices.
Mrs. Mogo assured that AFMESI plans to expand its community-based projects, offer training, resources, and support to empower local populations to take an active role in managing their marine resources.
This according to her will include enhancing their capacity for sustainable fishing practices, ecotourism, and marine conservation efforts and ensuring they are not left behind in the global blue economy transition,” she concluded.
The symposium also featured cultural dance by an Ijaw cultural Group.