Gov. Diri Positions Bayelsa As Global Hub For River Delta Protection And Development

The Bayelsa State has approved the hosting of the governance secretariat of DeltasUNite, a global environmental initiative aimed at protecting river deltas and promoting their sustainable development.

Hotnews gathered that Governor Douye Diri disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the 5th United Nations Ocean Decade Conference on Mega Deltas and the commencement of China-Africa cooperation on river, coastal zone and delta governance at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.

Governor Diri, who chaired the opening session, reaffirmed Bayelsa’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supported the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas (UNCRD).

He explained that the secretariat would provide a platform for governments, scientists, investors and affected communities to collaborate on practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing river deltas worldwide.

The Governor also called for stronger China-Africa cooperation in the sustainable management of river basins, coastal zones and deltas, stressing the importance of scientific research, community participation and international partnerships.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to clean water and sanitation, climate action, life below water and global partnerships.

Governor Diri further emphasised the need to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, especially women and girls, from the effects of environmental degradation and climate change.

He said Bayelsa was ready to share its experiences and collaborate with other states and countries to advance the protection and sustainable management of river deltas for future generations.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) and international facilitator of DeltasUNite, Mr. Freeman Oluowo, commended the Bayelsa State Government for its leadership and support for the initiative.

Oluowo also praised Governor Diri’s bottom-up leadership approach, which he said promotes the participation of indigenous people and local communities in decision-making.

He disclosed that the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas had reached the white paper report stage, adding that the document would soon be submitted to the global body.

The three-day conference attracted participants from about 23 countries, including United Nations officials, policymakers, researchers, environmental organisations and representatives of affected communities.

Governor Diri was accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ololo; Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin; and Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 20th October, 2026