As part of its ongoing effort to combat desertification and promote other Green empowerment initiatives in the continent, Africa Unites Culture and Conservation in collaboration with Art2Green Initiative has concluded plans to plant 25 billion mangrove trees.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Climate Finance Expert of the Art2Green Africa marketplace, Mr. Victor Wilkinson Agih, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, disclosed that the outfit is mobilising $250 billion on climate finance to achieve the goal.
The environmentalist explained that the launch of the Art2Green Africa Initiative is leaving no stone unturned to tap into the incredible richness of African culture and creativity as a sustainable engine to fund environmental conservation and economic empowerment across the continent.
As a pan-African culture and creative economy festival focused on sustainability, Mr. Agih noted that Art2Green represents an innovative model for domestic resource mobilization which positions Africa’s creative economy as an engine for financing environmental projects and green entrepreneurship.
“Art2Green will showcase the richness of African artistry on a global stage while using proceeds to bankroll high-impact green initiatives.
“For too long, the world has overlooked the incredible cultural capital that abounds across our continent
“The Art2Green Africa Initiative will unlock that vibrant creative wealth as a sustainable funding source to restore ecosystems, build resilient communities, and empower a new generation of African environmental leaders,” he said.
He posited that by unleashing the power of our arts, crafts, music, dance and storytelling traditions, Africans can drive massive investment into restoring ecosystems, creating green jobs, and building resilient communities.
Agih maintained that the entire African nations, private sector, international agencies, investors and global participants all have a stake in the movement, adding that by uplifting the continent’s cultural entrepreneurs and creative innovators, Africans can drive a new era of sustainable development that respects both people and planet.
Among other major environmental and sustainable development initiatives Art2Green will fund are the Great Green Wall, Planting 25 billion mangrove trees to combat desertification, Green Jobs Africa, and creating 25 million new Eco-Marshal jobs in environmental management Health e-surance.
It also includes establishing 250 million digital health wallets for underserved populations, Greenpreneurship Africa, providing 2.5 million pitch grants to green entrepreneurs, Clean Cookstoves, distributing 250 million eco-friendly stoves to reduce emissions, Africa Green Volunteers, recruiting 100 million eco-citizen volunteers for conservation, Climate Education and Leadership, offering 100 million eco-education and climate leadership scholarships.Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Monday became the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, emerging by consensus among the 16 governors present at their meeting in Abeokuta.
Announcing the resolution of the governors after the meeting, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said the forum’s decision was unanimous.
“It is in line with our conviction on the leadership acumen of Gov. Abiodun to successfully lead the forum,” he said.
In his reaction, Abiodun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to take the mantle of leadership of the forum.
He promised to lead with inclusiveness and efficiency, adding that he would work with commitment alongside his deputy, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, to proactively address fundamental issues of regional interests.
“This is indeed a significant honour bestowed on me by my esteemed colleagues, and I deeply appreciate their confidence in my leadership.
“Together, we will strive to ensure quality governance across our states and collectively engender exceptional regional development throughout Southern Nigeria.
“I also extend my congratulations to my colleague, Prof. Charles Soludo, who has been elected as the Vice-Chairman,” Gov. Abiodun said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State led the forum until his demise in 2023
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