Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) has urged the Akwa Ibom State government to capitalize on the outcomes of COP30 to access adaptation finance for climate action.

At COP30 in Belem, Brazil, a major outcome was the call to triple adaptation finance for developing countries, supporting climate resilience, planning, and infrastructure. PPDF, during a debriefing with state officials, communities, and stakeholders, encouraged Akwa Ibom to use this momentum to apply for grants and support from multilateral and bilateral climate funds.

Journalist and keynote speaker Ekemini Simon recommended the establishment of a State Climate Resilience Fund with dedicated budget lines for adaptation projects such as coastal defense, flood control, mangrove restoration, and saltwater intrusion mitigation. He also urged the development of a state-level Adaptation Plan prioritizing climate-resilient interventions in coastal areas, urban flooding, agriculture, health, and water supply.

In a communique, stakeholders called on the government to implement laws, policies, and plans to localize climate action, diversify the economy from fossil fuel dependency, and ensure energy transition initiatives include community participation. They stressed the need for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) on all projects.

PPDF Coordinator Comrade Umo Isua-Ikoh highlighted challenges faced by local actors at COP30, including restricted participation and censorship of local publications, emphasizing that much of the significant discussions took place informally on the streets of Belem rather than inside the conference halls.