INTRODUCING NETWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY TEAM [N E A T]

We write to introduce our young non-governmental, non-profit, independent
organization for the promotion of sound environmental management practices.

Preamble
Environmental issues have become a global issue that is now the concern of
individuals, corporate organisations, governments and
Non-Governmental-Organisations (NGOs). There has never been the clamour for
environmental protection as is been witnessed now. This is because
environmental degradation continues to be a threat to human survival and
development aspirations in all countries of the world.

The pressure on the environment and natural resources has been largely due
to increasing industrialisation and population growth. Conventional business
operations have always not considered the earth’s “carrying capacity “ both
as the sources of the raw materials for production and the sink for the
waste products generated during the production processes. Increasing
population growth and overpopulation are putting pressure on natural
resources at an alarming rate. Man has therefore continued to exploit the
natural resources and the environment, which renewable or not, have
continued to be depleted beyond the capacity at which it can support the
need of the ever increasing population of mankind, as well as meet the
insatiable demand for development aspirations and the needs of future
generations.

The results of these demands on the environment are manifested in form of
desertification, deforestation, urbanization and pollution of all
environmental media (air, land and water). The resultant effects are global
warming, ozone layer depletion, poverty, ill health, environmental disasters
such as flooding, erosion, forest fires, landslides and a host of others.
Everyday we are faced with scientific and other evidences of the dwindling
health of the environment with warnings of impending danger.

The realization has grown that business cannot continue as usual. Though
enormous, the challenge, which cannot be ignored, is to reverse the
degradation of the environment to continue to realize human development
aspirations of this generation, without mortgaging the opportunities of
future generations to meet their needs in a better world.

Our Opinion
NEAT is of the opinion that business executives and managers of all
corporations both small and big have a substantial part to play in managing
the environment and hence their support and commitment are paramount in the
process of making any positive change.

The Vision
NEAT is committed to creating more awareness of environmental problems among
all corporate managers. The intention is to continue to emphasize the need
to make a turn from conventional business practices by accounting for
natural resource exploitation, working within earth’s “carrying capacity”,
encourage the attitude of reduce, reuse and recycle thereby giving more
life-span to the environment. NEAT hopes to complement local and
international efforts such as those of the Leadership for Environment and
Development (LEAD), International Institute for Sustainable Development
(IISD) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), to
promote corporate commitment to environmental management.

The Philosophy
Our approach involves the mobilization of young executives and mid-career
professionals to become more environmental friendly and reflect this in all
of their operations both officially and otherwise. It is hoped that as these
young executives take up leadership positions in their different
organizations, they will incorporate environmental management issues into
their corporate strategies.

The Objective:
1. To promote commitment to environmental protection by young executives,
professionals and corporate bodies.
2. To encourage commitment to sound environmental initiatives through
financial support, policy changes, endorsement and adoption of best
practices.
3. To advocate for sound national and corporate environment-friendly
business policies.
4. To help corporate groups establish Environmental management System (EMS)
in conformity to global standards.

The Strategy
1. Establish a “Green Club” for young executives where all efforts will be
geared towards promoting environmental management.
2. Giving lectures on environment and development issues at professional
gatherings.
3. Organize forum to create more awareness of environmental issues and
generate new ideas on ways to protect and manage the environment.
4. Provide local and international environmental information through the
support of other international organizations such as LEAD, IISD, WRI and the
Business and Environment Roundtable.
5. Organize programmes to identify and reward positive efforts.
6. Publish IEC material to promote environmental campaigns with slogans that
will become part of everyday speech so as to continually remind members of
their environmental protection responsibilities.
7. Organize campaigns to solicit corporate support for sound environmental
management.
8. Pursue legislative advocacy to protect the environment, as well as
advocate for obedience to and enforcement of existing national and
international regulations.
9. Assist organizations to plan and implement EMS as well as advise on
compliance with environmental regulations.
10. Broadcast on Radio, Television and Internet materials promoting sound
environmental management practices and making constructive criticism of
abusers of the environment.

Ibironke F. Olubamise BSc, MSc (Lagos), MBA (Wales).
The Coordinator

NETWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY TEAM
Address: The Coordinator, NEAT, 27, Simpson Street, Ebute Metta,
P. O. Box 2488, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

Management Team

v Mrs Ibironke F. Olubamise (Nee Odetundun). She is a Fellow of the
Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD Inc) and a British
Chevening Scholar. Much of Ronke’s professional experience has been spent as
Environmental Consultant, Development Journalist and Businesswoman. She
comes to NEAT with experience in working to promote environmental awareness
with Business executives in her job as Consultant in a Lagos based
Environmental Consultancy.

v Mrs Ngozi Okwok BSc, MSc (Lagos). She is an Environmental Scientist and
Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Lagos. She is currently pursuing a
Doctorate in Solid Waste Management.

v Dr (Mrs) Ekpedeme Udom. Dr Udom is a Medical Doctor and avowed
environmentalist. A Lead Fellow, whose vast experience in environmental
management positions her to influence government policy directions as
Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Management Board.

v Mrs Olubunmi O. Obidare. Bunmi trained in Microbiology and Economics, her
interests revolves round the role of business and technology in
environmental management.

v Mr Olubankole O. Olubamise. British Chevening Scholar. Bankole comes to
NEAT with over 10 years experience in human rights and development work. He
is a Sociologist and Information Scientist. He is on the Executive Board of
Development Information Network, and currently works as Programmes
Coordinator with Legal Research and Resource Development Centre, a Lagos,
Nigeria based human rights group.

v Mr Adebola Dada. A Banker and Management Consultant.

v Mr Paul Okunnola, LEAD Fellow & Environment Editor, The Guardian
Newspapers.

v Mr Olumide Olayomi, LEAD Fellow & PA to The ED, Churchgate Group.