Isuikwuato CBO Joins Global Effort for Local Climate Action
The Isuikwuato Environmental Advancement Advocates (ISEAA) joined key environmental actors, government agencies, and civil society groups at the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Stakeholders’ Engagement on Climate Change, held recently in Umuahia, Abia State. The meeting brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria to share experiences, lessons, and strategies for achieving community-based climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
The event, hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UNDP Small Grants Programme, focused on strengthening partnerships and aligning grassroots initiatives with national climate goals. Participants explored practical solutions in renewable energy adoption, water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and youth engagement.
Representing ISEAA, the organization’s programmes and projects coordinator, Mr. Chimaobi Ben Okorie, highlighted the group’s ongoing commitment to addressing local environmental challenges in Isuikwuato through clean water access, erosion control, and solar-powered infrastructure.
“This engagement helps us connect local realities with global action,” he said. “Communities like ours face water scarcity, land degradation, and the impacts of deforestation. With GEF SGP’s support, we can implement real solutions that improve lives and protect the environment.”
Participants engaged in breakout sessions focusing on thematic areas such as community-led adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, and low-carbon energy solutions. ISEAA contributed to discussions on solar energy for rural water systems, emphasizing its success in reducing carbon footprints while improving access to clean water for thousands of residents.
According to ISEAA’s Program Officer, the forum also opened opportunities for collaboration with other organizations implementing climate projects in the South-East region.
“Networking with like-minded partners helps us strengthen our technical capacity and share success stories. We’re excited to learn from others and expand our impact across more communities in Isuikwuato,” she explained.
The engagement concluded with a call for stronger community participation, transparency in environmental projects, and integration of gender equality in climate interventions. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting awareness, mobilizing local resources, and scaling up renewable energy innovations that align with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Impact and Next Steps
Following the engagement, ISEAA plans to strengthen its partnerships with local institutions and the Abia State Ministry of Environment. The organization is preparing a proposal under the GEF SGP framework to implement solar-powered boreholes and ecosystem restoration projects in Isuikwuato. Through knowledge sharing and partnership development, ISEAA continues to position itself as a key community-driven environmental voice in Abia State.
