In November, our YouPaD team had the profound privilege of being on the ground in Ogoni Land, facilitating a workshop on Nature-Based Climate Solutions. This initiative was not about delivering lectures from afar; it was about listening, learning, and co-creating strategies for a resilient future directly with the community members on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We sat with farmers, fishers, and elders to build a community action plan together.
“This is what community-led change looks like. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about listening, learning, and empowering.”
The workshop, held in partnership with the Lekeh Development Foundation, focused on practical, locally relevant solutions. Together, we mapped community-identified flood risks, debated the long-term benefits of mangrove restoration, and built a shared vision for climate adaptation. This approach is central to YouPaD’s philosophy: the most effective and sustainable solutions are those born from the knowledge and experience of the people they are meant to serve.
The warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment of the Ogoni community to protecting their home were truly inspiring. This is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration to ensure that the people of Ogoni Land do not just survive the climate crisis, but thrive by leading their own resilient future. The work continues.
Gallery: Co-Creating a Resilient Future in Ogoni Land
