From Usman A. Bello, Benin
The Executive Director, Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) Nigeria, Dr Thomas Anenin, has advocated for a sustained and healthier environment through proper organic waste management in Nigeria.
Dr Anenin made the call at a stakeholders’ engagement on Organic Waste Diversion: From Dumpsites to Climate Solutions, Edo State, Nigeria, organised by SEDI, in collaboration with Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) Project.
He said the workshop was to create awareness on organic waste disposal towards a more sustainable environment
“Most of what we find in dump sites is organic waste, this workshop is an opportunity to create awareness that compost can be used for soil enhancement and crop reproduction”.
“Our target is to reach as many farmers in Edo State, reach schools by highlighting segregation of waste while working with policy makers”
He noted that the essence of the program is to ensure that we have a cleaner environment and live a healthier life”
“If we can manage organic waste better, manage our dump sites better, we can achieve a healthier environment,” he said
On his part, Mr Akhigbe Martins Director of Commercial Services Edo State Waste Management Board, noted that the whole idea of the programme is about the climate issue and how we can manage the climate better.
“As you know, one of the key elements in climate mitigation is effective waste management and it requires a diversified approach”
One of the approaches, he said the workshop is emphasising is the idea of converting waste to fertiliser or manure, especially degradable waste
“Part of the climate change issue is methane because when you dump waste in the dump site, the waste decays and emits methane and other gases in the atmosphere, which over time contribute to climate change” he said
He however noted that the workshop is timely as it would help participants to understand the intricacies around organic manure.
Over 50 participants drawn from the Government, Waste managers, Farmer groups, informal waste pickers, Otofure community, academia, media and civil society groups among others attended the workshop.
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