Diri Advocates Global Collaboration to Save Bayelsa from Ocean Ravages

Nice, France – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has passionately appealed for a collaborative, multi-level governance approach to combat the escalating threats of ocean rise and coastal erosion devastating communities in Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit, a precursor to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from June 9-13, Governor Diri emphasized the urgent need for global, national, and sub-national stakeholders to unite in saving these vulnerable populations.

Governor Diri’s address on Saturday at the summit, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, underscored his administration’s commitment to highlighting the dire environmental challenges faced by Bayelsa State.

During a panel session titled “Multi-Level Governance of Coastal Cities and Regions,” he stressed that adequate solutions to global warming, climate change, and ocean rise are only achievable through concerted collaboration.

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The Governor vividly described the existential threat confronting Bayelsa communities due to their unique geographical position. “As a coastal state, Bayelsa lies below the sea level and consequently faces the risks associated with ocean rise.

About 70 per cent of its land area is occupied by rivers and it borders the Atlantic Ocean on its three senatorial flanks,” he stated. He further noted that many communities are either already destroyed or on the brink of being wiped out by relentless ocean surge and coastal erosion.

In a proactive move to address these critical issues, Governor Diri highlighted his administration’s innovative policies, including the pioneering establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Bayelsa State in 2024. This initiative, he explained, followed President Bola Tinubu’s federal-level efforts in 2023.

The state is also actively promoting mangrove restoration, recognizing the vital role these ecosystems play in coastal protection.

“I believe this is not the time to be looking at competitiveness but rather on some form of multi-governmental approach to address this challenge,” Governor Diri asserted. “This approach should look at collaborative and synergistic governance at the national, sub-national and international levels with all the stakeholders involved.”

Beyond collaborative governance, the Bayelsa helmsman called for substantial global funding support for affected states and communities. He expressed optimism that a well-coordinated process would enable sub-national entities like Bayelsa to access crucial climate funds and other forms of assistance, moving away from a competitive mindset towards one of shared responsibility.

The well-attended summit saw the participation of prominent figures, including former United States Secretary of State and Special Envoy on Climate, Mr. John Kerry, who also addressed the conference, emphasizing the critical role of science in addressing climate and ocean crises.

Other attendees included the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and delegates from Lagos and Cross River states, underscoring the regional impact of these challenges.

Governor Diri’s delegation to the UNOC3 summit included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba; and the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin.

Also present were Mr. Wakedei Ere, a director in the ministry, and Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks, Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison.