Lomé Hosts Regional Validation Meeting on Environment and Climate Change,
By Raymond Enoch
A pivotal regional meeting aimed at validating the draft report on the State of the Environment and Climate in West Africa opens in Republic of Togo, organized by the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Togolese government, ECOWAS Commission, and various regional and international institutions, the meeting brings together key stakeholders to finalize this important document before its publication.
The meeting, which runs from Tuesday February 25 to 27, 2025, has drawn representatives from ECOWAS member states, as well as technical agencies like the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Center for Ecological Monitoring (CSE), among others.
Notable international organizations such as the Mano River Union (MRU) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) are also contributing to the discussions.
In his opening remarks, Mr. FOLI-BAZI Katari, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources for the Togolese Republic, expressed his gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for choosing Togo as the venue for this important regional event. He emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and climate action in the face of ongoing environmental degradation and its negative impacts on the region’s sustainable development. Minister Katari also invited all participants to engage actively in the discussions to shape a comprehensive and practical regional approach to tackling climate change.
The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, Mr. Barros Bacar Banjai, also spoke, underscoring the significance of this meeting in updating regional environmental profiles. He recalled that this draft report, once validated, would offer crucial scientific insights and serve as a tool for informed decision-making. He further noted that the report’s completion marks a milestone in the ECOWAS vision for environmental sustainability and climate resilience. It is part of broader efforts that will culminate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS later this year.
The report, which incorporates data and national reports from ECOWAS member states, addresses key environmental challenges across the region, including climate change, waste management, biodiversity, air quality, freshwater, land, and coastal ecosystems. It also outlines the efforts being undertaken at both the national and regional levels to combat environmental degradation, and the strategic actions necessary for improving environmental management and sustainable development.
Key areas of focus include assessing the levels of environmental degradation, implementing regional policies, and integrating climate change strategies into national development plans. Notably, five ECOWAS member states—Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea, and Niger—have received technical and financial assistance to support the drafting of their national environmental reports.
As the meeting progresses, participants will have the opportunity to offer their observations and recommendations on the draft report, ensuring that it accurately reflects the environmental realities of the region and provides actionable solutions for policymakers.
The successful validation of this report will mark a significant milestone for ECOWAS and its member states in their collective efforts to safeguard the environment, promote sustainable development, and build resilience against climate change in West Africa.
The final validated report is expected to be published later this year, contributing to the broader global discourse on climate action and environmental protection.
