ABER Commends Bayelsa for Hosting Global River Deltas Governance Centre
The Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, has commended Gov. Douye Diri for approving Bayelsa as host of the DeltasUnite Global Governance Centre.
The centre, also known as the Governance Secretariat on Global River Deltas, is expected to strengthen international cooperation on delta governance, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Kiyaramo gave the commendation in a statement following Diri’s announcement in Shanghai, China, at the opening of the 5th United Nations Ocean Decade Conference on Mega Deltas.
The conference also marked the formal commencement of China-Africa Cooperation on River, Coastal Zone and Delta Governance at East China Normal University (ECNU).
It brought together delegates from 23 countries, including UN officials, policymakers, researchers, environmental organisations and representatives of communities affected by delta-related challenges.
Kiyaramo described the approval as a significant milestone for Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and millions of people living in delta regions across Africa.
He said the decision positioned Bayelsa to play a greater role in international efforts to develop policies and practical solutions for river delta communities.
“By approving the Global Governance Centre in Yenagoa, Gov. Diri has positioned Bayelsa as a key player in global delta governance,” he said.
Kiyaramo said the initiative aligned with ABER’s advocacy for the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas (UNCRD).
He explained that the Shanghai conference provided a scientific platform for understanding the challenges facing major deltas, while the proposed Yenagoa secretariat would support governance and policy coordination.
According to him, the arrangement offers opportunities for China and Africa to collaborate on research, environmental management and community-centred development.
He said China’s expertise in floating solar technology, mangrove restoration, blue carbon accounting and aquaculture could support sustainable development across African delta communities.
“ECNU cannot work in 500 African delta communities. ABER can. We are the Pan-African delivery mechanism to ensure Chinese delta technology becomes community-owned African solutions,” he said.
Kiyaramo said ABER’s Blue Council Africa would collaborate with the DeltasUnite Centre to advance research, strengthen local participation and promote sustainable economic opportunities.
He said proposed initiatives included developing an Africa-China inventory of underwater minerals, blue carbon stocks and traditional delta knowledge.
The initiatives would also include establishing Delta Living Laboratories in Yenagoa and other African communities, with emphasis on women’s participation in cold-chain enterprises and youth involvement in data management.
Kiyaramo said the proposed programmes would promote gender inclusion through a 50-50 parity framework.
Diri, who chaired the conference’s opening session, said the centre would provide a platform for communities, scientists, governments and investors to identify priorities and develop practical responses to delta-related challenges.
The governor also linked his support for the initiative to the proposed UN Convention on River Deltas.
Kiyaramo said the governor’s position aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on clean water and sanitation, climate action, life below water and global partnerships.
He stressed that communities directly affected by environmental challenges should participate in designing and implementing solutions.
The ABER convener also commended Mr. Freeman Oluowo, Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) and International Facilitator of DeltasUnite, for confirming that work on the proposed UN convention had reached the White Paper stage.
Kiyaramo said Bayelsa’s location in the Niger Delta and ABER’s presence in Yenagoa offered opportunities to advance international cooperation on sustainable delta governance.
“Shanghai gave us the science. Yenagoa will now give the world the governance. Bayelsa is ready to lead,” he said.
