We salute the many participants to the conference drawn from the Government, the Church, Academia, Ministries, Civil Societies, Organisations and Students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions for the active participation and deliberations. 

Recognizing that we share one planet and its environment as well as a responsibility to protect ourselves and the future generations;

Recognising the special vulnerabilities of the indigenous poor children, women and men and even the youths of our populace especially in the rural areas.

Having reviewed the scientific and informative evidence from a wide varieties of experts and stakeholders about the experiences of climate change, its threats and how the government and private organizations and CSO’s can broaden the base for knowledge and actions to reduce those threats make the following declarations:

    1.            GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE:

The adverse effects of Climate Change tell on adult and children but children suffer more under climate change environment.  Adapting to challenging weather poses danger that touch on their right and their future particularly in matter of labour, education and dignity.

Climate change affects women also a great deal because there is a societal bias against them.  it tells also adversely on the activities they do to making income.  It reduces women to the peripheral of the society.  

In respect of these, we passionately recommend that governments, policy makers and men folk should develop positive attitude towards women,  make aggressive policy that will empower women and children holistically as it concerns their rights and dignity in economical, political, social and cultural lives.  We call for an aggressive conscentization of women and advocacy on climate change and gender.  

We strongly recommend that public authorities should be ready with packages for climatic disasters should they arise, to take care of the needs of the poor, health and first aid, shelter, water and clothing.

2.            ECONOMICS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

We recognize that God has blessed us with sufficient mineral and human resources yet pitiably we are impoverished in the midst of plenty because of the greed, corruption, visionlessness of our leaders and wealth managers.

We, therefore, recommend a revisit to mechanized agriculture, the embarking on project that are self-sustaining and have multiplier effects.  We also recommend the development of local and sustainable technologies.

Synergies should be built between public and private organization.  Financial institutions like banks and insurance companies to become more investment/development friendly. 

Banks, governments and business concerns should provide farmers with credit facilities, enabling environment and create the market for the farm produce.

We call for a deeper research, funding and putting research results into use for the purpose of development especially as it concerns climate change and environment.

We also call for community joint action on climate issues beyond boundaries for a common goal.  

3.            CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITES OF BUSINESSES

Businesses have a duty to perform Corporate Social Responsibilities without option.

And we recognize that community and business good relationship is critical and important for social peace. 

Businesses should enforce laws of the nation to protect the environment. 

Government should rise up to her responsibility in protecting the well-being of her citizens and environment by stopping gas glaring.

CSO’s and Environmental activists should develop an engaging education to sensitize and re-orientate the people on consequences of their actions on the environment and find alternatives.

There is need to create an enabling policy environment for businesses.  There is need also for business environment audit.

There is need for consumer activism to protect their health and their environment.

We urge the promotion of recycling environmental friendly products.

We appeal for carbon print offset of businesses.  

4.            INDIVIDUAL AND POLITICAL ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The climate change reality tells on everybody as individuals and as members of political and religious communities and we cannot refrain from taking action about it.

We need committed and passionate environmental champions as role models in our society.

We urge faith-based organizations to lead the society and play a leading role in this environmental crusade.

The various levels of political office holders should make environment a priority and mainstream same into the national and state policies for the development of the people.

We promote the rediscovery of the traditional African values towards the sacredness and respect of the earth.

We urge teachers and heads of educational institutions to make environment issues fundamental in their curriculum.

CONCLUSION

We call on every individual, corporate organizations, religious bodies and Government to reduce our carbon footprints and engage in environmental friendly activities.  The healing earth is our home.

Finally, CIDJAP hereby recommits herself to remain a leading Catholic based NGO promoting and championing Environmental Issues for Justice, Peace and Development in Nigeria .

Prof Msgr. Obiora Ike	Fr Joseph C. Inmpey	Sr Sullivan Annette
Director CIDJAP	Conference Secretary	Programme Officer