As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament begins its second parliamentary seminar of 2026 in Accra, Ghana, a member of Guinea-Bissau’s delegation, Manuel Nascimento Lopes, has expressed gratitude that lawmakers are concerned about and engaging with climate change and environmental issues.
He said he believes his colleagues are well prepared for the meeting, which he described as timely in an era of tsunamis and waves destroying parts of the world, especially Europe.
“We need to protect our environment as Africans, as West Africans. We need to give exemplary ideas to the younger generation. If we do not teach them how to preserve our environment, it will be very difficult for them to inculcate that as their way of life,” he said.
The second parliamentary seminar will focus on a highly topical theme: “Climate change, a factor in environmental degradation, displacement of populations and increasing insecurity in the ECOWAS space.”
Hon. Manuel Nascimento Lopes made the remarks in an interview after an ad hoc committee meeting focused on the preliminary budget review for this year and the annual draft work plan for 2027.
He further noted that land is being destroyed through illegal activities in the sub-region, affecting the eco-zone. He warned that if serious decisions are not taken, “What will happen to us in the next 10 to 20 years? We see houses submerging and flooding all around.”
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/EcowasNewsOnline.com
