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EU-Seychelles strengthen collaboration on climate change.
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles undertook a site visit to La Digue in the context of the coastal flood adaptation and mitigation activities of the “Seychelles Global Climate Change Alliance project”. She met with local stakeholders on La Digue.
According to Marjaana SALL, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles:
“Through this project, the European Union reiterates its commitment to support Government in the implementation of its National Climate Change Strategy, in line with commitments taken in COP 21 Conference. The EU is particularly pleased to assist local communities improve their resilience to the climate change and hence their livelihood.
By addressing the recurrent flood problems on La Digue this project is expected to impact directly on the health of the local population by reducing the incidence of water borne diseases. Secondly bearing in mind the negative impact of floods on local economic activities namely agriculture and tourism, the project is expected to sustain the economic livelihood of the local population. I am confident that this project will leave a footprint in the white sands of La Digue, that will constantly remind us of the close bonds uniting Seychelles with the European Union.”
According to Mr. Didier Dogley, the Minister of Environment Energy and Climate Change of the Republic of Seychelles:
“Climate change pose an existential threat to small islands communities like the one on La Digue. During the last 3 years the people of la Digue have suffered from extreme weather events, which have caused widespread flooding, disruption to livelihoods and posed a major health risk. At the same time the ground water aquifer which is the main source of potable water for the Diguois was also being threatened by the intrusion of salt water as coastal erosion continued unabated inland. Through targeted investments from the Government of Seychelles and financial support from the EU in the form of GCCA and GCCA+ we will be able to reduce the vulnerability of the local community and strengthen their resilience against the greatest threat of our time, climate change.”
The objective of the site visit is to meet with stakeholders on La Digue and discuss the project and its implementation. For the EU Ambassador, it is essential to ensure the participation and involvement of local communities for the success of this project….and it is this type of engagement that creates a compelling hope for a sustainable future. Local communities should be involved as much as possible to ensure that its results meet their expectations.
“Through targeted investments from the Government of Seychelles and financial support from the EU in the form of GCCA and GCCA+ we will be able to reduce the vulnerability”.
The programme “Seychelles Global Climate Change Alliance project” was established by the European Union in 2007 with a total envelope of 285 m EUR for the period 2008 to 2013. The objective is to support developing countries and small islands developing states in their endeavours to adapt to climate change. To-date the programme has supported more than 70 programmes in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific and Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. In light of its success, the European Union has allocated an additional envelope of 350 m EUR for the programme for the period 2014-2020. In addition, another 70 m EUR are also available for climate actions from the European Union regional funds until 2020.
The programme for Seychelles was signed between the European Union and the Government of Seychelles in December 2014 to assist Government in developing its resistance to these changing climate patterns. The programme of 3 million euros is part of the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+) which aims at strengthening dialogue and cooperation with developing countries, in particular least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). The GCCA + is one of the most significant climate initiatives in the world.
A major component of the project concerns the implementation of coastal climate change adaptation in risk-prone areas on La Digue. These activities will be implemented by the UNDP (United National Development Programme), given their experience and expertise in the domain in Mahé and in La Digue. The project is expected to run until 2019.
Activities that will be implemented include the preparation of an Integrated Shoreline Management Plan, hydrological and topographic studies on flood buffering and salinization control measures. The activities will also focus on the restoration of wetlands, as a sustainable means to reduce flood risks.
Background :
The 2013 floods which hit La Digue and the damage caused by cyclone Fantala on Farquhar Island last year show to what extent Small Island Developing States like the Seychelles are vulnerable to changing climatic conditions. The security and livelihoods of local population are now increasingly threatened by sea rises, tsunamis, increases in temperature, flash floods, cyclones and droughts – all the consequences of climate change.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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