The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and the Pilex Center for Civic Education Initiative have announced plans to assess how Nigerian communities access environmental rights, information and justice as part of a continent-wide research project.
The Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.
Jakpor said the assessment is part of a 20-country case study being coordinated by the Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) Coalition, with support from the Open Society Foundations.
According to him, similar studies will be conducted in 19 other African countries spanning West, East, Central, Southern and North Africa.
He explained that findings from the national assessments would be consolidated into a comprehensive continental report examining environmental rights, governance and access to justice across Africa.
The report, he said, will identify regional trends, highlight successful practices and recommend policy reforms aimed at strengthening environmental rights across the continent.
“The studies support the coalition’s five-year strategy to promote environmental rights and advance a regional framework for Africa,” Jakpor said.
He noted that researchers would adopt a common methodology involving desk reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
According to him, the study will document the experiences of communities, environmental defenders, women, youths, Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups affected by environmental challenges.
Jakpor also quoted the Chairman of the ERA Steering Committee, Ahmad Abdallah, as saying the initiative goes beyond academic research.
“These case studies are about people as much as they are about policies. African communities are defending their lands, forests, rivers and livelihoods under increasingly difficult circumstances,” Abdallah said.
He added that the research would amplify grassroots voices, strengthen advocacy efforts and promote a shared continental vision for environmental rights.
Abdallah called on governments, civil society organizations, academic institutions, development partners and the private sector to support the initiative.
According to him, the findings will provide evidence-based recommendations to advance environmental justice and safeguard the rights of both present and future generations across Africa.
SOURCE: NAN
