Uche Isieke Profile

#FollowYourPassion!

I grew up in a small rural neighbourhood, from a little below average income household.

It was the choice of my parents not allow the
environmental circumstance, decide their socioeconomic fate.

They drew that courage, built resilience, and fashioned a sustainable livelihood pattern for the family.

Over 70 per cent of the family's earnings came from the natural ecosystem. This paid our bills, including my school fees, provided us with foods, water, increased the family's purchasing power and a little more savings.

Though there was this climatic and physiographic inconsistency; with little rain or too much rain, prolonged dry season with severe heat, outbreaks of diseases such as chickenpox or smallpox, high cost of commodities, poor agricultural production and many more. All these features were there, growing up, but we didn't realise it was climate change!

 No one taught my mom that it was time to re-strategize and prioritize her economic goals to move along with the perceived system change.

You see, several humans economic and technological inventions came as a result of one crisis or another. Many of such advancements were designed to meet the humans social and economic needs

Apart from the trade, my mom was engaged in, she needed something more to cushion the impact of the emerging climate crisis.

She realized how imperative it became, not to depend solely on rain-fed agriculture to feed the family and sustain an income.   Perhaps, something off the regular farming season could add up. She subsequently engaged in a mini irrigation farming, using her piece of land, beside the local river.

Many times we'd had to wake early in the morning, to visit the river and made sure the garden was watered properly.

 The first harvest was unprecedented! We had more food and additional income. This continued in the subsequent years as the farm grew in size, with the increased production in vegetables and the "Indian cocoa yam" species, she mixed cropped.

 This was rare, as it happened in a community and a region, not synonymous with the irrigation method of farming.
They mainly rely on the supply of certain vegetables, especially during the dry season, which came from the northern region of  Nigeria where irrigation was commonly practised.

I am sure some friends and those I grew up with in the same community, who are reading this piece can relate to this account.

 I grew up seeing the very ingenious and efficient means by which our most valued resource - the natural ecosystem can be replicated to meet the human needs, without altering its capacity and propensity to meet the needs of the oncoming generations.

When I was offered an admission to study Environmental Resources Management, I knew it was an opportunity to listen to what science is saying, and balance it up with what the tradition taught me at home. What a great experience!

Coming from a landlocked zone, I realised many homes didn't have land enough for agricultural use. Many also have but could not manage it in such a productive manner.

During each farming season, people would literally queue to ask my grandmom to lease out some portions of the "Ikpa"  land, to enable them to cultivate foods for their family. The "Ikpa" land area up to date, is a little bit nearer to the river and a bit far from where the villagers live. Due to tradition and history, not all indigenous are opportune to own a piece of land within the area, and not many with enough to do the 4/5 years rotational system.

The unique thing was because we were practising rotational farming and agroforestry, even without knowing what it was called!
This made our land became richer and our harvests, three times better than what many homes got.  So all through seasons, we were either harvesting vegetables, cash crops, fruits or palm fruits and the livestock products. We had enough to send to our relatives living in cities.

 The climate change and it's related impacts hadn't disappeared, but the impact was no longer felt,  as our adaptive capacity thrived, which made livelihood a lot better.

A lot of things being taught today are not new, but because many jettisoned what they knew and followed the unknown; the unknown that presented us the quickest way to achieve self- sufficiency, but failed to let us understand that the consequence will have a trans-generational influence on the environment and human health.

A rural awareness and needs assessment

In order to curb the climate change and its associated negative impacts, especially on the vulnerable communities, we must educate, help them, build their capacity, strengthen their resilience to adapt and increase their livelihood support base.

Helping poor vulnerable communities to build nature resilience for self-sustaining systems and climate change.

Climate change is here and will not live us; rather we should strive to instil that creativity confidence, particularly on the vulnerable groups, to sustainably utilize their natural environment.

Through our initiative, we are helping many homes and communities in a very inclusive way that represents our sustainability ideology.

Rural Watch Africa Initiative ( RUWAI), recognized that the impoverished and underserved communities need urgent help, to recover from the pervasive shock occasion by climate change, and the overall social, economic and ecological degradation.

Photo section with the Dapa community Chief and subjects.

They need to be educated, and better equipped with the right skills and tools to firmly stand, and given the ability to build a replicable system for improved livelihood and productive growth.

Inspiring young community leaders/volunteers to grow their own food, for self-sufficiency and some income for the orphanages.

Building resilience to efficiently manage nature, and create alternative income opportunities to help cushion the lingering socioeconomic and ecological deficits, will be a rewarding way for a dignified lifestyle and sustainable livelihood for the marginalized communities.

#ThisIsMyPassion!




 Uche Isieke is an advocate for rural resilience, livelihood systems and inclusion. He is quite passionate about the rural people, their environment, social and economic well-being. He is a young development professional with over 5years experience and has impacted over 20,000 rural populace in over 10 communities through his various initiatives targeted at the poor and marginalised groups.
  Uche is the Executive Director of Rural Watch  African Initiative (RUWAI), a nonprofit committed to strengthening the production and protective resilience of the vulnerable rural communities whose livelihoods are threatened due to the ecological degradation, worsened by the human errors and climate change. Uche's core interest is on building agroecological systems, sustainable land management and land restoration, livelihoods strategy for self-sufficiency, as well as inspiring young ones to lead in climate action and community development. His initiative is partnering with https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/creating-income-for-rural-youth-through-beekeeping/Accelerator 2020 campaign to support rural poor youths with alternative income livelihood and production skills through beekeeping, as a sustainable way of creating job, income,  and cushion the impact of Covid19 and climate change on rural poor. 

Contact: ucheisieke@gmail.com

Job Opening


Posting Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P3

Job Code Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 22 May 2020 - 05 July 2020

Job Opening Number: 20-Programme Management-UNEP-135030-R-Geneva (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A




The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of UNEP's Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. The Division promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The position is located in the Economy Division, Resources and Markets Branch, Geneva duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Resources and Market Branch and reporting directly to the Head, Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for following duties:

Responsibilities
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions; supervises experts for project implementation.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Performs consulting assignments and provides policy advice to relevant stakeholders. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Apply here:https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=135030&languageCd=ENG&
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public policy, international relations, economics, environmental policy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, policy advice related to sustainable development, sustainable infrastructure and green economy, or related area, is required.
Relevant experience on the development, implementation and supervision of GEF programmes / projects is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview

Special Notice
This is a project post and is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by Him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions. and their applications will not be considered.

By Uche Isieke



Biodiversity is said to be  a variety of life on Earth, in all its forms and all its interactions. It's comprised of several levels, starting with genes, then individual species, then communities of creatures and finally entire ecosystems, such as forests or coral reefs, where life interplays with the physical environment. These myriad interactions have made Earth habitable for billions of years

Forest play an important role in the water cycle regulation and carbon sequestering, also as a genetic bank and source of food, they stimulate rainfall, protect soils from erosion and regulate the flow of river and stream water. The current forest cover in Nigeria is below FAO’s recommendation of 25% and has already resulted in the depletion of surface and ground water resources.  These unsustainable processes have had and continue to have negative consequences on the overall environment.

The root causes of Biodiversity loss  are multiple. In addition to weather events triggered by climate change, human causes include unsuitable land use and bush burning. Unsuitable land use refers to the use of land for purposes for which it is environmentally unsuited for sustainable use. One example is the extensive forest clearance that has taken place over the last decades.


Nigeria suffers from environmental problems  typical to many developing countries: overgrazing, erosive ploughing and over-cultivation, have resulted in loss of soil fertility; the dumping of wastewater and sewage have caused water and soil contamination; and the exploitation and processing of natural resources such as mining, have brought about environmental pollution.

The country has Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation,averaging 350,000-400,000 hectares or 3.5% per year. Up to 80% of the country’s original forests have already disappeared, and the remaining forest covers as little as 4% of the land mass(FAN, 2016).


Choosing the theme: “Our solutions are in nature” which emphasizes the importance of synergy to build a future of life in relation with nature, is apt as the world is battling to bring to a halt the pandemic. While  efforts to end the global crisis is on going,there is the need to take urgent  collaborative actions toward building a resilient and enduring  nature -friendly economy ,post covid-19.

Building back,we  must step up our resilience as a nation and invest in social and environmental  impact initiatives, as part of the nation’s Economic Sustainability Plan.

Such investments to  generate revenue from three main sources:Agriculture ;Foresty, including agroforestry and  others,which include renewable energy, ecotourism, mitigation banking, conservation easement, carbon credits and other conservation activities.

States must also see investing in environment as one with immeasurable returns and economic impacts.

As at 2016,  over $7.0 billion was raised, by the global ESI funder and developers waiting for governments and privates with bankable-impact oriented investment (project ) proposals to be funded by investors.  These projects must be designed to generate a financial profit for public/private investors in order to make the investment case for ESI activities, even if the financial return is below market rate. The predominate income stream(s) must be generated from tangible products such as food and fibre, or from tangible services such as tourism, for which a ready market demand exists independent of government legislation. Projects that generate income partially but not primarily through carbon, biodiversity, habitat and other natural resource credit offsets are included, however, since the valuation of such ecosystem services can enhance the return of projects.



Unfortunately many  governments in developing countries are yet to realize how much  opportunities are there to explore to enhance economies,while maintaining a healthy and sustainable ecosystems.



 According to a UNCCD report, Agriculture is expected to see the strongest acceleration over the next five years, growing nearly 350% by 2021. Investments into diversified-sector projects are also estimated as likely to increase by more than 200% over the same time period.

Awareness:  government and civil society, have to be shift bit from what many perceived  not quite cohesive,the approach to citizen's engagement in environment issues.

Citizen should be made to understand that planting trees and investing on land and natural resources restoration means a huge business,while solving social and economic problems. They are not a mere rhetoric but a real call to take action for biodiversity restoration,to enhance sustainability,stability and prosperity. The ignorance of many  around the environment and  sustainability opportunities have  stifled advocacy/awareness  progress and  participation amongst  stakeholders. More efforts should be channeled toward developing strategies that are saleable and investment oriented.
Lets move a bit further from environmental education to environment  mentor-ship and entrepreneurship;it is a new path to inclusivity and sustainability. This would create jobs for the unemployed,stabilize the economy, reduce poverty and conflict, and  prevent further degradation of biodiversity.  Without biodiversity there no future for humanity. Our solutions are in nature,invest in it!

Photos: Andy Kaggwa; Aloysius Robert and Tobias Ukeh


Uche Isieke  is a environment and social impact business developer;and LDN Market promoter for public and private sectors in developing countries.

Ends on February 22, 2020 (in 2 days)


Apply to be a Young Leader!
Each class of 17 Young Leaders is selected through an open call for applications and rigorous assessment process. All interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are welcome to submit an application.

The call for applications for the selection of the 2020 Class of Young Leaders will be open until the 22nd of February 2020.


 Important information before you begin your application:

You will need to create a free Submittable account in order to complete the application. Click HERE https://submittable.help/en/articles/904856-how-do-i-submitfor a quick guide on how to get started.
You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.

Submit an application, if you are a future leader from a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries)
are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change
are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation

We offer you

a monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
a three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career
 Apply here:https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/pls/web/pub_register.main?p_package=iks&p_lang=en


The closing date for applications is 1 March 2020. 20 fellowships can be granted.

Meet Unilever’s first 100% recycled plastic toothbrush
Signal’s new Ecolo Clean toothbrushes break the mould. The brush handles are made from fully recycled plastic and come in recyclable paper packaging.


Unilever’s first toothbrush made from 100% recycled plastic has just launched in France, and it’ll be reaching further countries soon.

The new Signal Ecolo Clean toothbrush is made from 100% food-grade post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, while its smart design features a comfortable, ergonomic hollow handle with 40% less plastic than an ordinary toothbrush – saving 10 tonnes of plastic in its first year.

And at the end of its life, the toothbrush needn’t contribute to landfill or disturb fragile ocean ecosystems. It’s 100% recyclable, thanks to a consumer-return partnership with global recycling company TerraCycle®. Consumers in France can simply return their used toothbrushes to one of a number of TerraCycle collection points where they will be recycled. This launch builds on the partnership Unilever has with TerraCycle in many countries.

Ecolo Clean also comes in a paper pack, which is fully recyclable.


Zero plastic, less plastic, better plastic
With this launch, Signal has produced the first toothbrush to tick all the boxes on Unilever’s new commitment to creating a circular economy for plastic – cutting virgin plastic out of the process. And it’s a perfect fit with our agenda on plastics which has three strong pillars: no plastic (the box), less plastic (the light, smart design), and better plastic (the fully recycled plastic handle).

“At the start of 2019 we launched Signal’s first bamboo toothbrush to reduce the brand’s impact on the environment. Now, with Ecolo Clean, we’ve seized this opportunity to lead a massive sustainable change in the toothbrush category,” says Project Leader Leila Esmaeili.

“And this is just the beginning,” she adds. “Across every part of Unilever we have the objective to cut our use of virgin plastic by half and use 100% reusable, recyclable plastic by 2025. We’re working on it now.”

New Position: André Hoffmann Fellow: Ocean Innovations
February 12, 2020

The World Economic Forum and Stanford University seek a Hoffmann Fellow for a two-year joint appointment. The Fellow will be based jointly in the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(“C4IR”) in San Francisco, California, which is dedicated to addressing the possibilities and challenges posed by the rapid pace of technological innovation, the increasing volumes of ocean data and how to
harness their power – from AI to blockchain – and Stanford’s Center for Ocean Solutions (“COS”), which is focused on spurring innovation to sustain the resilience of the ocean and the people who depend on it.

The Fellow will work with Forum partners and Stanford faculty on initiatives to harness the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water. The Fellow’s primary role will be to lead projects advancing application of new and emerging technology to address ocean challenges.

Deadline for applying is March 22, 2020.

APPLY HERE:https://oceansolutions.stanford.edu/stories-events/new-position-andr-hoffmann-fellow-ocean-innovations-0