Diri urges UN to establish global convention for protection of River Deltas
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has called on the United Nations to lead urgent global efforts to protect the world’s vulnerable River Deltas including Nigeria’s Niger Delta from escalating environmental threats.
His spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, quoted Governor Diri as having spoken on Monday during the opening of a three-day “4th Mega Delta Meeting: International Conference on Dialogue Between Land and Sea” in Shanghai, China.
Governor Diri proposed the creation of a United Nations Convention on the Conservation of River Deltas (UNCCRD), aimed at safeguarding these critical ecosystems from degradation.
The governor’s remarks, delivered before a global audience of scientists, policymakers, and civil society leaders from 31 countries, highlighted the mounting threats to the world’s 25 major deltas, including pollution, erosion, flooding, land subsidence, and loss of biodiversity.
“These deltas are not just geographic formations, they are the lifeblood of communities, anchors of economies, and guardians of biodiversity.
”Yet, across the globe from the Yangtze in China, to the Mekong in Southeast Asia, from the Danube in Europe to our own Niger Delta, the story is the same: the deltas are dying, ” he said.
In his address, the Bayelsa governor made a case for institutionalising international protection frameworks, citing the Niger Delta’s experience as a stark example of the consequences of environmental neglect.
He referenced the report by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission, titled “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,” describing it as a grim chronicle of decades-long ecological destruction caused by unregulated oil activities.
“Environmental resilience must begin with justice,” he emphasised, stating that the proposed UN convention would serve as a legal and moral framework to preserve deltas, restore damaged wetlands, support local livelihoods, and mobilize global finance for adaptation.
“If deltas connect rivers to oceans, this conference must connect knowledge to action.
“Let us not leave Shanghai with only reports and communiqués. Let us leave with a declaration of intent, ” Gôvernor Diri stated.
He noted that Bayelsa State, with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, was already championing this initiative at the international level.
On the home front, Governor Diri pointed to actions already underway to align environmental conservation with economic opportunity.
These include the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, ongoing mangrove restoration efforts, and the training of youth and women in aquaculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy enterprises.
“These are not abstract ambitions. These are concrete actions that reflect our belief that environmental justice is the foundation of sustainable development,” he said.
The Shanghai conference brought together 180 participants including environmental scientists, academics, community representatives, and key international agencies.
The three-day event focused on fostering dialogue and scientific exchange to bridge the gap between land and sea governance and secure the future of river deltas under increasing environmental stress.
Governor Diri’s proposal for a UN-backed convention is expected to shape post-conference discussions and may set the stage for a wider diplomatic push on the issue at upcoming international environmental summits.
