Advancing community capacity to mitigate climate change impacts and develop the green and blue economy in the Niger Delta was the talking point at a two-day policy dialogue and exhibition on Green and Blue Economy held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital yesterday.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Nigeria and implemented by the Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW).

With the theme, “Policy Dialogue and Exhibition on Blue and Green Economy in Niger Delta, the event saw participants dialogue on issues and policies concerning climate change, the blue and green economy and ways to mitigate actions, especially for farmers and fisherfolks in the region.

The Senior Programme Manager, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Nigeria, Nosakhare Hilda Ayejimiwo, said the world is living in a time where climate change is undeniably one of the greatest global concerns of this era.

According to her, while its effects are felt worldwide, it is communities at the frontline like in the Niger Delta that bear the brunt of its impacts most acutely, as they face unique challenges that demand urgent, thoughtful, and locally relevant responses.

The project, according to her, is one of Denmark’s strategic priorities for engagement with Africa in their increased efforts for climate adaptation, with a particular focus on water, forests, and biodiversity, and support a just, green transition in the continent.

She said: “Denmark’s partnership in this region, reflects our strong commitment to supporting solutions that are inclusive, locally-led, and sustainable. This project is a shining example of those values in action. It embodies collaboration across sectors and stakeholders, recognising that no one group can tackle these complex challenges alone.