FUTA Sunday Oladeji, PhD Speech On Tourism, Environment and Green Investments

Sunday Oladeji, PhD Speech On Tourism, Environment and Green Investments in celebration of World Tourism Day 2023.

The theme of the year 2023 World Tourism Day , Tourism and Green Investments, is well conceived in view of environmental challenges confronting the World, dwindling economy, social vices and indiscriminate poaching of wildlife resources. 

There is no gain saying that green investment is the antidote to address social, economic and ecological hiccups that are daily increasing. 

There is need for individuals, corporate organisation and investors to allocate substantial financial resources to projects that focus on sustainable practices, environmentally friendly and conservation of natural resources. 

In various fora where I have the opportunity to share my views, promotion of ecotourism industry have been a focal point. Simply because it is an investment that is geared towards environmentally sustainable form of travel to pristine, undisturbed areas with accompanied tangible and intangible features with the intention to recreate, enjoy game viewing, engaging in sporting activities e.t.c. 

thereby contributing to the local economy and fostering conservation education. 

There are various forms of ecotourism practices that are environmental sustainable, supporting conservation education and contributing to the local economy. 

Agrotourism, Agrictourism, Aqualtourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, Gastrotourism, wildlife tourism, nature based tourism are some of them.

Green investment also translate to investment GREEN ECONOMY where individuals, organisations and nations invest in the production of renewable form of energy like wind , hydro, solar or biofuels e.t.c

Investment in CIRCULAR ECONOMY through Upcycling waste especially from polyethylene, fabrics, e.t.c ; pyrolysis; recycling e.t.c could go a long way towards creating job for the unemployed youth, and ensure a clean and healthy environment . 

This will also foster innovation, reduce social vices through youth engagement and promote long term economic growth. 

Another area of investment is BLUE ECONOMY. This generates huge financial returns from beach tourism, sport fishing, aqualtourism, whale/dolphin/shark viewing/entertainment, shipping, swimming e.t.c . 

Investors can support businesses either directly or indirectly that contribute positively to the environment while generating financial returns .

Needless to say that the importance of investing in GREEN GROWTHS can not be overemphasised. 

In the quest for countries like Nigeria to diversify from mono-economy Green investment plays crucial roles. Investment in GREEN ECONOMY will assist the World to combat the menace of climate change and other environmental catastrophes.

Although the concept of green investments has evolved over the years, however there is need for increasing awareness since ignorance has always been the claim of most environmental offenders and poachers. 

In this respect, Non-Governmental organisations have roles to play in order to increase the consciousness of the populace about the importance of sustainability and the need to mitigate environmental impacts.

The tempo needs to be sustained in view of the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

In addition to this, Governments and International Organizations must not relent on thier efforts in promoting green investments by providing enabling ecosystems, formulating policies and establishing regulatory frameworks that can spur growth of GREEN INVESTMENT. 

Over the years Netlink Environmental Conservation Organisation ( www.necorng.org) has partnered with Governments, MDAs and other multinational NGOs in advancing the cause of United Nations on Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement through periodic organised capacity training workshop, conference and Seminars. 

 Unless the challenges facing Green Investment are addressed, achieving desirable benefits might be a mirage. Some of these challenges include but not limited to lack of standardized criteria for defining green investments; lack of synergy and collaboration among the key players and the need for more extensive research and publication of the research findings. 

In addition to the aforementioned forms of GREEN INVESTMENT, financing development, and operation of geothermal power plants; investing in retrofitting building technology as being practised in hospitality industry; funding the development of smart city and Smart agriculture, Land use, Agroforestry; development, production, and promoting adoption of electric vehicles, bicycling, Alternative Fuel Vehicles and charging infrastructure; improved public transportation systems ; advancing pollution control systems and water treatment facilities ; investing in funding sourced from diversified companies or individuals that pool resources to finance green assets, such as CIRCULAR ECONOMY HUB, BLUE ECONOMY HUB; GREEN ECONOMY HUB; engaging in Carbon Credits and Offsets towards reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which can be purchased by individuals or organizations to offset their carbon.

Conclusively, as we celebrate this year's World Tourism Day let us keep it at the back of our minds that Green investment is a veritable tool in promoting sustainable tourism.

 It will engender advancement of businesses and projects that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic growth.

The theme for this year is a call to lend our support and contribute to a more sustainable future for our children, and generate long term returns, and create a positive social and environmental impact.

You can get involved through enlisting interest as a member of Non-Governmental Organisation with a vision to creat awareness on environmental conservation; involve in collaborative research and having a clear understanding of Carbon Credit , Sustainable Development Goals, Climate change, Green bonds, mutual funding, financial goals and enhance risk and financial returns. 

Remain green and fresh forever.

MySchoolNews reporting.