Nurses Across the Borders Int’l proposes training programme for Community engagements

Nurses Across the Borders Int’l proposes training programme for Community engagements

In a bid to enhance Blue Economy activities through Climate-Smart livelihood, Nurses Across the Borders International, a Non-governmental Organisation, has proposed a comprehensive training programme under the community engagement.

Nurses Across the Borders has continued to make great strides in in the climate change space, marine and blue economy space.

Executive President, Nurses Across the Borders International, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, in explaining details of the training said, it is to enhance Blue Economic activities through Climate-Smart livelihood. He said, “The proposed training programme under Community Engagement and Capacity Building are designed to empower local communities by equipping them with skills for sustainable livelihoods that align with blue economy principles through robust capacity building initiatives.”

He said Specific interventions of the programme would include: Aquaculture Development which has to do with Climate-Smart Practices: Training on sustainable aquaculture methods, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which would reduce environmental impacts while maximizing yields; Economic Impact dealing with Aquaculture which has the potential to generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting that sustainable fish farming can increase community income by up to 30% annually, and Food Security which has the potential of Stabilizing fish stocks, aquaculture to ensure consistent protein availability for local populations.

He also spoke about Eco-Tourism Ventures. In this regard. Part of which includes Environmental Stewardship, which would Promote eco-tourism centered on mangrove forests, coral reefs, and other natural habitats incentivizing conservation while providing economic opportunities. It would also enhance Job Creation: Eco-tourism development is expected to create jobs in guiding, hospitality, and marketing, directly benefiting women and youth; Revenue Generation: The sector has the potential to attract both domestic and international visitors, among others.

Other targets of the training, according to the international smart economy crusader include, Sustainable Marine-based Crafts and Products. He said the training would enhance Value Addition: Training on creating artisanal products from marine resources, such as eco-friendly souvenirs, enhances income streams while reducing waste.

Omoragbon spoke about Policy Advocacy and Alignment with Global Frameworks which would ensure that the project’s outcomes align with national and international blue economy strategies, making sure that policy advocacy and strategic partnerships are prioritized.

He stated that the agenda of the training has the capacity to align with the United Nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development (2021-2030) “The project supports the UN’s goals of advancing ocean health, promoting sustainable marine resource use, and fostering community resilience.”

African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy: The project aligns with the African Union’s goals of sustainable ocean-based industries, ecosystem conservation, and economic diversification. “Its focus on job creation, food security, and community resilience positions it as a regional model for sustainable coastal development,” Omoragbon stated.

Speaking on National Framework, he talked about Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy, “The initiative complements Nigeria’s aspirations for sustainable fisheries, marine-based tourism, and renewable energy development.”

Referring to the Climate Change Act (2021) he said by integrating climate adaptation and mitigation into marine ecosystem management, the project advances Nigeria’s commitment to achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

On strengthening partnerships for blue economy, Omoragbon said that the project seeks to collaborate with local, regional, and international stakeholders.

He said the project would be Engaging fishers, women’s groups, and youth associations to co-design solutions to ensuring inclusivity and local ownership.

On Regional bodies, he said that the project has intention of collaborating with the African Union and West African coastal organizations, adding that the project would also partner with international Stakeholders like EU-based institutions, UN agencies, and global conservation organizations which would foster innovation and secure technical expertise.

Speaking on targeted outcomes and economic justification of the training he said “In framing the project around blue economy principles, the initiative will certainly deliver measurable benefits that justify funding in areas of: Economic Growth: Anticipated revenue increases from sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism, and that artisanal products can inject over $20 million into local economies within five years; Job Creation: At least 10,000 new jobs are expected in fisheries, tourism, and allied sectors, significantly reducing unemployment; Ecosystem Restoration: Restoring 20,000 hectares of mangroves and 100 square kilometers of coral reefs enhances biodiversity and supports carbon sequestration.”

Partners in this great training intervention include, Nurses Across the Borders International, a Non-governmental Organisation; MOWCA: Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa – (IGO); MOESNA: Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa – (IGO); AAMA: African Association of Maritime Administrations (IGO).

Others include NIMASA: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency – (GOVERNMENT) and the PATNA Group: The Professional African Technical Network and Advisory Group – (ACADEM).