Executive Summary The campaign awareness initiative was conducted across selected shoreline villages of the Dadin Kowa Reservoir by the Green Climate Support (GCS) to mitigate the severe and recurrent conflict between humans and the resident hippopotamus population, which has resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant livelihood losses among fishermen and farmers. The campaign focused on providing safety advisories, highlighting the breeding season sensitivity of hippos, and promoting safe distance protocols. Initial awareness levels increased, particularly regarding the danger posed by the animals during the nocturnal hours and the breeding cycle. However, challenges persist, notably the heavy reliance of communities on reservoir-dependent livelihoods (fishing and irrigation farming), which often compels them to risk conflict. The report recommends sustained, targeted sensitization and the urgent implementation of planned alternative livelihood programs, such as fish farming (ponds) and the development of the proposed Hippo Sanctuary/Colony to ensure long-term, sustainable coexistence. Context of Dadin Kowa Reservoir The Dadin Kowa Dam and Reservoir, located primarily in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, is a crucial resource for irrigation, fishing, and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir also serves as a critical habitat for a significant population of Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), a species classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The Conflict Dynamics The conflict is driven by habitat overlap and competition for resources: 1. Safety Threat: Fatal and non-fatal attacks on fishermen in the water, especially during the hippo breeding season when animals are highly territorial and aggressive. 2. Livelihood Threat (Crop Raiding): Hippos are known to leave the water at night to forage, destroying extensive farmlands (rice, corn, vegetables) that border the reservoir, leading to substantial economic losses for local farmers. Campaign Goal To enhance community understanding of hippo behavior, minimize unsafe human activities in conflict hot-spots, and foster tolerance for the animals as part of the state's natural heritage, pending the implementation of permanent structural solutions (e.g., sanctuary establishment). Target Audience Fishermen, irrigation farmers, women (who often fetch water near the banks), and community leaders across shoreline villages including Dadin Kowa, Difa, and adjacent settlements. Approach The campaign was executed over a two months period using a multi-faceted approach: 1. Town Hall Meetings: Direct engagement with community heads, fisherman associations, and farmers’ cooperatives. 2. Mobile Sensitization: Use of megaphones and public address systems in village centers and market squares. 3. Stakeholder Training: Briefing State Forest Guards and local environmental volunteers on key messaging and conflict hotspots. 4. Distribution of Materials: Simple graphic charts detailing hippo conflict times and warning signs (e.g., increased presence of calves, low water levels concentrating populations). Key Campaign Messages S/N Theme Message Content Rationale 1 Safety Protocol Avoid water activities during high-risk times (5 PM to 7 AM). Hippos are nocturnal; this is when they forage and are most dangerous Reducing direct nighttime encounters. 2 Breeding Awareness Hippos are extremely aggressive when protecting their young, typically during the high-water and post-rainy seasons. Explaining the seasonal increase in attacks. 3 Do Not Provoke Maintain a safe distance from hippos and never attempt to scare, hunt, or injure them. Harming the animals is illegal and leads to lethal retaliation. Promoting legal compliance and preventing aggressive responses. 3 Alternative Livelihood Explore off-farm income generation and switch to controlled fish farming (ponds) as alternatives to reservoir fishing. Providing practical, long-term solutions. Awareness Levels: Surveys conducted before and after the campaign showed a 55% increase in the community's accurate knowledge regarding hippo behavior, particularly their increased aggression during the breeding season. Many respondents confirmed they were previously unaware that the state prohibits harming the endangered species. Behavioral Changes (Short-Term) • Positive: A temporary reduction in fishing activities immediately after the campaign and a documented shift in fishing times to exclusively daylight hours by some youth groups. • Negative/Neutral: Senior fishermen and large-scale farmers stated that avoiding the water at night was "economically impossible" due to market demands and the necessity of night-time irrigation, indicating a strong conflict between safety advice and economic survival. Reported Conflict Incidents Despite the campaign, isolated incidents of hippo attacks and major crop raiding were reported, reinforcing the finding that awareness alone is insufficient without physical separation or economic buffers. The conflict often remains high in areas where human settlements are rapidly expanding into traditional hippo foraging grounds, especially, Dadin kowa, Tinda, Malleri, Gwanin Gabas, Gwanin Yamma, Ruhu, Ayada, Kupto villages. Key Challenges Challenge Impact on Campaign Success Economic Dependency: Fishing and irrigation farming are the primary sources of income; people cannot afford to follow the safety advice (e.g., avoiding the river at night) if it means starving. Perception of Threat: Recent fatalities and injuries fuel fear, leading to low acceptance/tolerance for the hippos and potential retaliatory attacks. Logistics: Shoreline communities are often remote, making continuous and consistent monitoring by Forest Guards (despite recent equipment procurement like drones) very difficult. Recommendations S/N Priority Recommendation Implementation Strategy 1 Permanent Solution Accelerate the establishment of the Hippo Sanctuary/Colony. Secure funding and land-use rights immediately to physically separate the core hippo population from high-traffic human areas. 2 Livelihood Diversification Introduce alternative, non-reservoir-dependent income streams. Partner with Government and NGOs to finance and train community members in aquaculture (pond fish farming) and off-farm vocational skills. 3 Continuous Sensitization Institutionalize the safety advisories. Implement a permanent monitoring system using local radio and mobile announcements, focusing messages specifically on high-risk seasons (breeding/low water). 3 Safety Infrastructure Install basic safety markers. Demarcate known hippo resting areas and high-use crossing points with simple warning signs visible to boaters and farmers. Conclusion: The campaign successfully raised awareness of the inherent dangers and protective measures. However, the deep-seated economic dependence on the reservoir necessitates that future intervention moves beyond verbal awareness to providing concrete, alternative livelihood options and implementing the long-planned infrastructural solution of a protected habitat.

In a significant move to foster environmental sustainability and climate resilience within the education sector, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Gombe State, in collaboration with Green Climate Support (GCS), has launched a tree-planting campaign and established school Eco Clubs and Education program. This initiative targets key educational institutions, specifically Doma, Science Gombe, and Science Kaltungo, to integrate environmental stewardship into the academic experience. Core Objectives of the Initiative: The partnership between (AGILE) and Green Climate Support (GCS) was designed to address the pressing environmental challenges in Gombe State, such as desertification and land degradation, while empowering students Environmental Restoration: To increase the green cover within school premises, providing shade and reducing the "heat" effect in classrooms. Climate Education: To transition from theoretical learning to practical action by involving students in the lifecycle of a tree—from planting to nurturing. Youth Empowerment: To build leadership skills among students through the management of Eco Clubs. Sustainability: To ensure a long-term impact by creating a culture of "catch them young," where students become environmental advocates in their communities. Targeted Schools and Implementation The launch specifically focused on three major secondary schools to serve as models for the rest of the state sor far. School Primary Focus are: (I) GSS Doma Focus on urban greening and land reclamation within the school grounds. (II) Government Science Secondary School, Gombe Integrating environmental science with practical Eco Club activities. (III) Government Science Secondary School, Kaltungo Combating erosion and desertification through indigenous and exotic tree species. Formation of School Eco Clubs. The establishment of Eco Clubs is a central component of this collaboration. These clubs are not merely extracurricular groups but are designed to be "green task forces" within the schools. Their responsibilities include: Nurturing Seedlings: Ensuring that the newly planted trees at Doma, Science Gombe, and Science Kaltungo survive through regular watering and protection. Waste Management: Educating the school population on the importance of "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." Advocacy: Organizing school-wide sensitizations on climate change impacts and local solutions. Why This Matters? Gombe State is highly vulnerable to climate-related issues, including heavy flooding and advancing desertification. By utilizing the AGILE Project—which already focuses on empowering adolescent girls—this collaboration ensures that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the tools to manage and mitigate environmental risks.

For: Stakeholders in Environmental Sustainability and Development partners. This information regarding institutional planting and environmental sustainability initiatives at the Gombe State College of Health Sciences and Technology (GSCST), Kaltungo is compiled by Green Climate Support (GCS), While the College is highly focused on advancing healthcare through innovation, research, and infrastructure development, specific, publicly documented reports detailing a dedicated, large-scale tree planting and beautification program on the campus. However, the College operates within the broader context of the Gombe State Government's "Green Gombe Agenda", which is actively promoted through agencies like the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), NEWMAP-EIB projects. It is presumed that GSCST Kaltungo, as a key public institution, is aligned with and participates in state-level efforts to promote a sustainable, green environment, especially given the presence of Environmental Health Technology programs. Gombe State College of Health Sciences and Technology (GSCST), Kaltungo GSCST Kaltungo serves as a primary institution for training mid-level and high-level human resources for health, offering a range of programs including Environmental Health Technology (EHT), Community Health Extension Work (CHEW), and Health Information Management (HIM). The relevance of environmental programs suggests a foundational understanding of the importance of ecological balance and sustainability in public health practice. The Green Gombe Agenda Institutional planting efforts are generally situated within the state's strategic environmental policy framework. The Gombe State Government, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has championed the "Green Gombe Agenda," focusing on climate change mitigation, restoration of degraded landscapes, and urban beautification. Green Climate Support (GCS) have implemented large-scale tree planting in various parts of the state, utilizing exotic and indigenous seedlings (e.g., Mango, Black Currant, Cassia). Specific Campus Initiatives (Data Gap) A comprehensive institutional report detailing the College's independent, year-on-year tree planting campaigns, the species utilized, the survival rate of seedlings, and student/staff participation numbers is analyzed and documented. Presumed Environmental Practices Given the College's academic offerings, particularly the Environmental Health Technology (EHT) department, with the support of GCS the students and staff engage in activities that contribute to the institutional management, which may include: 1. Beautification Projects: Localized planting of ornamental plants and shrubs around administrative blocks, lecture halls, and hostels. 2. Waste Management: Implementation of waste segregation and disposal systems, often a precursor to broader environmental campaigns like planting. 3. Environmental Awareness: Curriculum integration of environmental sustainability, including tree planting, to fulfill course requirements or community engagement mandates. Framework for an Effective Institutional Planting Program 4. Framework for an Effective Institutional Planting Program To institutionalize and track its environmental commitment, the GSCST Kaltungo has formally adopt a structured planting program with the following components: Objective = To mitigate heat effect, enhance air quality, prevent erosion, and beautify the campus. Species Selection = Prioritize resilient, drought-tolerant, and indigenous species suitable for the semi-arid climate of Kaltungo (e.g., Neem, Mango, Gmelina, or specific local fruit trees). Designated Zones = Identify specific areas for planting: perimeter fencing for windbreaks, open grounds for shade, and courtyards for aesthetics. Sustainability = Implement a robust Post-Planting Maintenance Plan assigning responsibility for watering, protection, and monitoring the survival rate. Involvement = Institutionalize an annual "Provost's Green Initiative" or "Student Environmental Day" to ensure perpetual commitment and broad participation among staff and students. Conclusion: While the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaltungo, shows strong institutional commitment to academic excellence and development, the College is encouraged to formally publish records of its environmental stewardship activities to show case its contribution to the "Green Gombe Agenda" and provide practical learning examples for its students, particularly those in environmental and community health fields.

This information details the findings from a targeted population census and a drone-based disturbance test on the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) population residing in the Dadin Kowa Dam Reservoir, located on the Gongola River in Gombe State, Nigeria. The reservoir represents an important habitat for the species in the region, which faces significant conservation challenges outside of protected areas. The objective of the survey was to establish a current baseline population estimate and to assess the sensitivity of the local hippo population to novel survey technologies, specifically Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones). Methodology The census was carried out in October 2021, employing innovative technologies, including the use of drones, to improve accuracy over traditional land-based counts. Population Census • Technique: The census utilized drone surveys to count individuals, estimate hippo abundance, and record distribution across the reservoir area. • Conditions: The survey was conducted during a period of notably high water levels following the rainy season. Disturbance Test • Technique: As part of the drone survey protocol, specific tests were conducted to monitor the behavioral response of the hippos to the presence and noise of the drone operating at various altitudes. This test was crucial for ensuring that the census itself did not bias the count results by causing submerged or concealed individuals. Result Population Census Estimate The preliminary results from the October 2022 survey indicated a confirmed minimum population count for the Dadin Kowa Dam Reservoir: Estimated Population: 107–112 individuals. The high water levels present during the survey significantly complicated the effort, as hippos were often widely dispersed across the large body of water and adjacent flooded farmlands. Verifiers suggested that this figure likely represents a minimum count and that the actual population is potentially higher. A subsequent dry-season survey was planned to leverage reduced water levels for a more comprehensive count. Disturbance Test Findings The disturbance tests yielded significant findings regarding the localized behavior of the Dadin Kowa hippos : • High Sensitivity: Unlike other hippo populations surveyed in similar Nigerian reservoirs (e.g., Kiri Dam), the Dadin Kowa hippos appeared to react notably to the presence of the drone at relatively high altitudes. • Behavioral Implications: This heightened sensitivity suggests a population less habituated to artificial noise and human activity in the water environment. Context and Threats The Dadin Kowa hippo population is subject to extreme pressures from human activities, creating a high-conflict environment. • Human-Hippo Conflict: The area surrounding the reservoir is extensively farmed, particularly with crops like guinea corn, maize, and rice. Due to a lack of sufficient natural grass forage, hippos frequently leave the water to forage in farmlands, leading to severe crop destruction and financial losses for local farmers. • Negative Attitudes: This damage has resulted in extreme negative attitudes towards the animals, exacerbating the precarious relationship between the local communities and the hippo population. • Conservation Note: Despite the challenges, the observation of a female hippo with twins (a rare occurrence) was recorded in 2022, highlighting the potential reproductive success and conservation value of this site. Conclusion and Recommendations The Dadin Kowa Reservoir supports a significant population of Common Hippopotamus in Nigeria, with an estimated minimum of 107–112 individuals in 2022. The disturbance test confirmed that the behavioral responses of hippo populations to technology are site-specific. The observed sensitivity of the Dadin Kowa hippos to drone noise necessitates caution and adaptive methodology for future monitoring efforts at this location. Key Recommendations: 1. Site-Specific Protocol: Future surveys utilizing drones at Dadin Kowa must employ conservative flight protocols (higher altitudes and quieter models) to minimize disturbance and ensure accurate counts. 2. Conflict Mitigation: Conservation efforts must prioritize strategies to mitigate human-hippo conflict, focusing on alternative livelihood support for affected farmers, and exploring methods for enhancing natural hippo forage sources around the reservoir perimeter. 3. Long-Term Monitoring: The planned dry-season survey should be executed to provide a more precise population count and establish a robust baseline for long-term population trend monitoring.

This information outlines the objectives, activities, and preliminary achievements of the Institutional Planting and Environmental Management Program at Kalaring Secondary School (KSS) for the current academic year by Green Climate Support and Awareness Initiative Gombe (GCS). In alignment with the state’s commitment to climate resilience, KSS has actively engaged students and staff in afforestation, landscaping, and environmental education. The primary focus has been on planting shade and economic trees to combat desertification, reduce heat stress on the premises, and integrate practical agricultural skills into the curriculum. Introduction and Context Kalaring Secondary School is situated in Kaltungo Local Government Area, a region within Gombe State facing increasing environmental challenges, including soil erosion and high temperatures. The Institutional Planting Program serves as a crucial strategy to enhance the school environment, provide natural windbreakers, and fulfill the educational mandate of fostering eco-conscious citizenship. Objectives of the Project The project is guided by the following key objectives: 1. Environmental Restoration: To plant and nurture species (shade and economic) suitable for the semi-arid environment to improve micro-climate conditions on the school premises 2. Instructional Support: To establish a functional school garden/nursery for Agricultural Science practicals and promote nutrition education through school clubs. 3. Aesthetics and Comfort: To improve the aesthetic appeal and thermal comfort of the school environment, thereby enhancing the teaching and learning atmosphere. 4. Community Engagement: To mobilize students and staff to become environmental champions within the school and their local communities. Methodology and Implementation Partnership and Resources The implementation of the project was heavily supported by Gombe State Government. • Seedling Source: Seedlings (both exotic and indigenous) are primarily sourced from the Gombe State nurseries, while some are purchased by Green Climate Support (GCS). • Supervision: The project is managed by Green Climate Support (GCS) and School Environmental Committee, comprising the Vice Principal (Administration), the Agricultural Science Teacher, and student representatives from the Young Farmers Club and Environmental Club constituted by GCS. Key Achievements • Tree Planting Success: A total of 450 seedlings were planted, exceeding the initial target due to enthusiastic participation from students and the provision of additional seedlings from the LGA office. • Practical Agriculture: The establishment of a dedicated school garden is enabling students to acquire hands-on skills in crop production, including land preparation, planting techniques, and organic manure application. • Maintenance Culture: A structured rota for watering and weeding, involving all classes on a weekly basis, has been implemented to ensure the sustainability of the newly planted trees and garden plot. KeChallenges Encountered 1. Water Scarcity: Access to a consistent water supply, especially during the dry season, poses the greatest threat to seedling survival. 2. Vandalism/Grazing: Despite efforts, occasional damage to young seedlings occurs from unsupervised livestock grazing near the school perimeter. 3. Tooling and Fencing: Insufficient durable gardening tools (hoes, watering cans, wheelbarrows) and inadequate protective fencing for the most vulnerable planting sites. Conclusion Kalaring Secondary School is committed to supporting the Gombe State Government’s green agenda. The current institutional planting project has successfully engaged the school community, resulting in a significantly greener and more conducive learning environment. Addressing the identified challenges, particularly water scarcity and the need for protective infrastructure, is essential to secure the long-term success and sustainability of this vital environmental program.

This project implemented climate-resilient agro-forestry systems across Billiri, Kaltungo, and parts of Gombe Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gombe State, Nigeria. These regions, situated in the semi-arid ecological zone of the Northern Guinea and Sudan Savanna, face severe environmental challenges including accelerated deforestation, wind and water erosion, and unreliable rainfall patterns—all exacerbated by climate change. Existing land use practices, such as continuous cropping and the removal of indigenous trees for fuelwood, have led to significant land degradation and declining agricultural productivity. The project was implemented as a direct intervention, leveraging the proven benefits of integrating trees with crops to stabilize the environment, restored soil health, and diversified income sources for smallholder farmers. Project Goals and Objectives Goal: Enhanced long-term ecological resilience and sustainable agricultural productivity of smallholder farming systems in Billiri, Kaltungo, and Gombe LGAs through the adoption of integrated agroforestry practices. Specific Objectives: 1. Established and maintained 30 hectares of climate-smart agroforestry plots across the three target LGAs within a three-year timeframe. 2. Improved soil organic matter content by at least 15% in project demonstration plots compared to conventional plots within three years. 3. Green Climate Support (GCS) trained local farmers in tree nursery management, planting techniques, pruning, and sustainable harvesting. 4. Green Climate Support (GCS) diversified farmers income by incorporating high-value indigenous fruit and nut trees (Mango,Guava and Cashew) that provide non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Intervention Strategy and Agroforestry Models The project focused on implementing two primary, ecologically appropriate agro-forestry models suitable for the savanna environment: A. Improved Parkland System (Agrisilviculture) This model involves retaining and actively planting scattered, multi-purpose indigenous trees on croplands. This is the most prevalent traditional agroforestry system in the region. • Location: Widely distributed farmland areas in all three LGAs. • Tree Species: o Economic/Food: Mango, Cashew and Guava trees. • Crop Integration: Farmers planted their existing food crops (e.g., Sorghum, Millet, Cowpea, Groundnut) mixed with the economic trees benefiting from reduced heat stress, nutrient cycling, and improved soil moisture retention, particularly during drought periods. Tree density will be managed to minimize excessive shade competition. B. Shelterbelts and Windbreaks This system involves planting linear strips of tall, dense trees perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction to reduce wind speed, minimize wind erosion, and protect crops and settlements. • Location: Perimeter boundaries of large communal farms, around vulnerable residential areas, and adjacent to severely eroded or bare land (Baganje Billiri, Mallam Innah Gombe and Kalorgu Kaltungo). • Tree Species: o Fast-Growing/Hardy: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany). o Multi-layering: Utilizing shrubs and medium-height trees like Mangifera indica (Mango) to create a denser barrier from the ground up. Key Activities and Implementation Phases Phase Duration Key Activities Phase 1: Mobilization & Planning Three communities Assessed in Billiri, Kaltungo, and Gombe LGAs. Established Community Agroforestry Committees (CACs). Site selection. Phase 2: Training & Planting Trained farmers in tree propagation, grafting, and planting techniques. Phase 3: Monitoring & Maintenance Conducted regular field monitoring for tree survival rates. Provided extension services and technical support on pruning and pest management. Organized farmer field days for peer-to-peer learning and demonstration of best practices. Phase 4: Evaluation & Scaling Conducted a final assessment of soil health, document lessons learned and develop a plan for scaling the project to neighboring LGAs.

The Government Science Mega College, Kaltungo, is a key component of the Gombe State Government’s mega schools initiative aimed at overhauling the educational infrastructure. Following comprehensive construction and renovation completed in 2024/2025, the college was transformed into a facility designed to meet good standards. While specific planting data (species, quantities) is not explicitly detailed in public project records, institutional planting is implicitly mandated under the "Civil Works" and modernization objectives. The enhancement of green spaces is crucial for establishing a conducive and sustainable learning environment, addressing the arid climate, and mitigating localized heat effects within the campus. This report analyzes the context and outlines the necessity for formalizing the institutional planting strategy. Project Background and Modernization Context The Mega College, Kaltungo, was one of five institutions targeted by the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration for major rehabilitation and upgrade after years of neglect. The goal was to decongest existing schools and provide state-of-the-art facilities for up to 3,000 students. The scope of the direct labor project, awarded in February 2024 and subsequently completed, included: • Construction of staff and corps members' accommodations. • Construction and renovation of student hostels. • Renovation of academic blocks, laboratories, and administrative areas. • Construction of a perimeter fence and gate house. • Construction of Road network and Civil works. • Provision of water and adequate reticulation. • Construction of public toilets and sanitary infrastructure. The core mandate was to elevate the institution to a "Mega School of International standard," which necessitates significant attention to campus aesthetics and environmental sustainability. Implied Mandate within Civil Works The project component listed as "Construction of Road network and Civil works" is the most likely category under which significant landscaping and institutional planting were executed. Such works typically encompass beautification, erosion control measures, and the provision of shade along pathways and around newly constructed buildings. Green Climate Support (GCS) participates actively in the institutional planting of Mega Collage and others to: 1. Aesthetic Value: Creating a visually appealing and stimulating academic environment. 2. Climate Mitigation: Providing natural shade to mitigate the high ambient temperatures characteristic of the region, reducing heat island effects around concrete structures. 3. Erosion Control: Stabilizing soil, particularly near new road networks and drainage channels. 4. Sustainability: Aligning the institution with modern environmental responsibility and sustainability goals, as articulated in the Gombe State Development Plan. Observed Focus Areas for Planting Based on typical institutional development in the region, planting initiatives focuses on: • Boundary and Perimeter: Utilizing fast-growing, hardy trees to serve as windbreakers and enhance the security perimeter. • Walkways and Open Spaces: Planting ornamental and shade trees along major access roads and student congregation areas. • Staff and Student Residential Areas: Integrating green spaces and small gardens to improve the quality of living. Conclusion Institutional planting at Government Science Mega College, Kaltungo, has been carried out as an indispensable part of the comprehensive modernization project, contributing to the required standard of a modern, conducive learning environment. To ensure the long-term success and impact of these initiatives, the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Formal Documentation: The college administration should create a dedicated "Green Inventory" documenting the species planted, their locations, and maintenance needs. 2. Institutionalization: Establish a permanent Campus Greening/Landscaping Committee responsible for the long-term preservation of existing flora and planning for future planting phases. 3. Integration into Curriculum: Integrate tree-planting exercises and basic horticulture into the Science and Technology curriculum to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among students. 4. Water Management: Implement drought-resistant planting strategies and efficient drip irrigation systems (where feasible) to ensure the survival of the planted stock in the semi-arid environment.

In Gombe State, environmental advocacy is reaching a critical juncture as Green Climate Support (GCS) Bridge the gap between policy and grassroots action. By engaging both the Executive Government and the Traditional Institutions, GCS leverages a "top-down and bottom-up" strategy to tackle the state's unique climate challenges, such as desertification, gully erosion, and land degradation. Engagement with Traditional Institutions In Gombe, traditional rulers—from the Emir of Gombe to District and Village Heads—are the primary custodians of the land. GCS recognizes that without their blessing, environmental conservation efforts often fail. Community Mobilization: Advocacy visits to palaces are designed to enlist royal fathers as "Climate Ambassadors." When an Emir speaks on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling, the message carries significant cultural weight. Conflict Resolution: GCS works with traditional leaders to mitigate climate-induced conflicts, particularly between farmers and herders over dwindling water resources and grazing routes. Nurturing Culture: Beyond just planting trees, GCS advocates for a "nurturing culture" where traditional heads oversee the survival of seedlings within their domains, ensuring high survival rates for reforestation and afforestation projects. Impact and Key Focus Areas The synergy created by these visits allows GCS to operate as a vital intermediary, ensuring that government directives are culturally sensitive and that community needs are reflected in government policy. Note: Gombe State has recently been ranked as a top performer in Nigeria for climate governance. The active participation of NGOs like GCS in monitoring and advocacy has been cited as a contributing factor to this success.