The Edo government has appealed for the support of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in accessing climate finance to address the challenges posed by climate change in the state.

The permanent secretary, state ministry of environment and sustainability, Jude Ekpu, disclosed this in Benin on Monday, when some officials of the council visited him.

Mr Ekpu underscored the importance of climate finance in driving sustainable development.

He, however, said that the state faced difficulties in securing funds for climate change initiatives.

He also expressed the state’s readiness to join forces with the council in addressing the impacts of climate change.

He advocated the provision of alternative means of livelihoods for communities that depended on forest resources, such as firewood, saying it would help to reduce deforestation.

According to him, the state faces significant challenges with deforestation, including issues related to the Tonguia farming system and ineffective management of protected areas.

He called for the involvement of local communities in the state in conservation efforts.

“Empowering local communities to manage forest areas has not been successful.

“The state welcomes support for mangrove restoration projects, recognising their crucial role in coastal protection and local economies,” he said.

The permanent secretary said that the lack of electricity in some communities contributed to deforestation as people relied on firewood for fuel.

He also said that the provision of electricity would offer alternative economic opportunities and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Earlier, the director of strategy, information and planning, Michael Ivenso, who led the MCC delegation, said that the visit was to collaborate with the ministry on climate change issues.

“Climate change is a global problem, but climate action is local; it happens at the state, local governments and community levels.

“It’s imperative for us at the federal level to collaborate with our counterparts in the states, aligning national priorities with the specific needs of each region,” he said.

Mr Ivenso said that NCCC intended to visit communities to understand their challenges and support them.

The support, he said, would include developing and implementing climate change adaptation, mitigating strategies; and the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems.

According to him, the effects were to recognise the importance of the restoration for coastal protection, biodiversity and local livelihoods.

 (NAN)