NGO Launches Initiative To Mitigate Tech Ecosystem’s Environmental Impact
The Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has launched a multifaceted initiative aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem.
AREAi launched the SCALE initiative on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, with funding from the Digital Access Programme (DAP) of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Gideon Olanrewaju, the Project Manager, stated that the SCALE initiative aims to enhance environmental awareness and promote responsible digital practices in the usage and upkeep of digital tools and internet devices.
According to him, the company would leverage its expertise and extensive capacity in digital transformation and sustainability, the organization is committed to achieving the project’s goals.
“The initiative will champion series of activities that range from evidence generation, knowledge management and mobilisation, incentivised capacity development, media-driven public awareness, and high-level policy advocacy activities.
“This move aims at aligning producers, consumers and stakeholders of the technology sector with eco-consciousness, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“This initiative, under the theme “Smart Climate Awareness, Learning and Empowerment (SCALE) for Net Zero” program will directly engage information and communications technology companies, digital start-ups, innovation hubs.
“Other key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem will be engaged to facilitate their understanding about technology’s high negative environmental cost, then mobilise them to collectively commit and act towards reducing their contributions to digital carbon footprint.”
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He elaborated that the initiative aims to implement a broad citizen engagement strategy, empowering pivotal technology hubs in Abia, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna, and Adamawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
Additionally, the project manager stated that the organization will collaborate with research institutions, tech startups, government agencies, and civil society organisations.
“To mobilise high level stakeholders’ engagement in fulfilment of the policy regulatory requirements of the initiative, we will be exploring key partnerships with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
“Others are, E-waste Producer Responsibility Organisation Nigeria, National Information Technology Development Agency, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change.
“The Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change and the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan Office.”
The Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, Idongesit Udoh, highlighted that the intervention represented a pioneering endeavour to utilize evidence-based and citizen-led approaches in advancing awareness of digital sustainability and fostering the progressive adoption of technology.
Udoh emphasized that the responsible use of technology should prioritize environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability.
“Hence, the UK Government is once again demonstrating timely support, not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building eco-friendliness within its technology ecosystem through energy-efficient technology business operations.
“Our DAP programme will continue to initiate significant partnerships with local organisations to drive the UK Government’s continued support for Nigeria and its digital sector, recognising the tech ecosystem’ role in net zero transition and sustainable development,” he said.
