News Editor
By David Odama
Splendour Child Empowerment international Foundation have trained and empowered several Nigerians in rural communities of Nasarawa, Abuja and a host of others on plastic-waste management through the use of digital solution.
Speaking at the training of participants drawn from several communities in Nasarawa and FCT, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Vera Abisoye explained that the training was part of the Splendour Child int’l Empowerment Foundation pioneering transformative approach to plastic waste management in Nigeria by integrating community-driven initiatives with cutting-edge digital solutions.
She emphasized that the next plan of climate actions would be the
expansion of digital Platforms, broadening the reach of mobile applications and impact dashboards to
include more communities enhancing data collection and reporting capabilities, capacity building, Invest in training programs to equip community members with the tools to report hotspots areas and prevent disasters before they occur.
“This strategy according to her not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic pollution but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions reduction, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment”.
However, the pressures of competition over natural resources, displacement of residents and increased vulnerability to conflicts particularly in already fragile communities are alarming. Additionally,the foundation has integrated this community led initiatives into peace and conflicts prevention due to plastic waste diversions for malicious purposes.(eg to build Improvised Explosive Devices, (IEDs) reducing plastic explosive violence.
She lamented that how Plastic waste poses a significant environmental challenge in Nigerian urban and rural communities with improper disposal leading to clogged waterways, increased flooding, pollutions and adverse health effects. It’s important to note that Nigeria generate about 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution.
The foundation disclosed that Splendour child empowerment int’l foundation has implemented a community-led model that leverages digital technology to enhance waste collection, recycling, and environmental education.
Splendour child empowerment international foundation have employed the followings:
Mobile Collection Platforms: Developed mobile applications that allow communities members to log and manage waste collection activities. These platforms offer real-time data on waste volumes,types, and collection locations, streamlining reporting and enhancing the efficiency of recycling operations.
According to her, “each plastic collection efforts is recorded on a secure digital ledger, providing verifiable data that eliminates concerns of greenwashing and strengthens donor and investors confidence”.
Impact Dashboards approach:
“Digital dashboards provide stakeholders with visual reports on the outcomes of waste management efforts. These tools track key performance indicators such as the amount of plastic collected, recycled, and diversion from landfills, offering insights into the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives as well as Community Engagement and Empowerment”
The foundation’s approach emphasizes the active participation of local communities in waste management activities by training individuals in waste sorting, recycling techniques, and the use of digital tools to protect themselves from disasters.
“The foundation empowers residents to take ownership of their environment. This participatory model not only improves waste management practices but also creates sustainable development.
Environmental Impact and Carbon Emissions Reduction:
According to SCEF, the integration of digital solutions has led to significant environmental benefits: enhanced recycling rates: digital tracking has improved the efficiency of recycling processes, leading to higher volumes of plastic being recycled rather than ending up in landfills or waterways.
“Our foundation has applied emissions reduction: by diverting plastic waste from incineration and landfills. Splendour foundation initiatives have contributed to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal, sustainable practices, promotion of recycling and waste reduction, fosters a culture of sustainability, encouraging communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
She said the Foundation’s innovative use of digital solutions in community-led plastic waste management serves as a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges. She said combining technology with community engagement, is what makes the solution stand out in the midst of other competitors. Also the foundation has created a scalable and impactful framework that not only addresses plastic pollution but also contributes to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, flooding, and explosive violence.
The Executive director of the foundation, mrs Vera Abisoye said it was in Partnerships with other NGOs to forge collaborations to secure funding and resources for scaling up initiatives in other vulnerable communities. She emphasized the need for
advocacy and awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of plastic waste management and the benefits of participating in digital waste collection programs.