As part of its efforts to tackle environmental devastation arising from Climate change, the Delta State Government has signed an MOU with the UNDP on Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC). TACC is a developmental initiative of the UN to assist developing sub-national governments to assess and manage the physical and socio-economic impact of climate change.

By becoming part of the UNDP TACC programme, Delta State will deepen its capacity to regulate environmental issues, as well as to take advantage of many new sources of environmental funds, to implement climate change responses.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan signed on behalf of the State Government, while Mr. Mr. Olav Kjorven, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director Bureau of Development policy, UNDP, New York, signed on behalf of the world body. The signing ceremony took place at the DGI Byen Hotel Tietgensgade, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Governor Uduaghan explained that the partnership with the UNDP is a milestone, which will assist the state government develop capacity to assess the level of environmental damage caused by oil pollution and rising water level.

He said that Delta State being a coastal state is particularly vulnerable to sea water rise and therefore has to seek ways of collaborating with international organizations to develop the strategy to analyze the present and future vulnerability of the state.

Other issues Governor Uduaghan said are of interest to the state from TACC programme are the window it will open to carry out a comprehensive environmental diagnosis, which affects emissions—gas flares, environmental impact emissions, land use, temperature in the atmosphere, ecosystem and afforestation issues.