Friends of the Nation (FoN), an environmentally-minded civil society organisation has engaged communities and schools in the Shama district on climate-smart activities. The community dialogue series on climate change issues mooted some two years ago, was to educate the people in that district on the emerging challenges of climate change variability, the risks associated and the need to collectively adopt best practices to mitigate the effects. Mr. William Dankyi, a Project Officer of the Friends of the Nation said assessing the local impact in coastal districts like Shama and Ellembelle particularly on fisheries and farming was paramount as it was the main economic stay of the people. He added that under the Climate Media Collaborative for Economic Justice and Community Rights Initiative, (FoN), with support from Oxfam in Ghana and Ford Foundation, the project had significantly advanced the understanding of climate change among over 500 youth, women, community leaders, and assembly members in Shama. The initiative he noted had emphasized the impact of climate change on local communities and provided risk management strategies to aid in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Mr Dankyi said to make the information more accessible and engaging, FoN adopted the use of cultural dance and drama, which helped locals grasp the practical implications of climate change. Additionally, artworks created by students from Shama Senior High School were used to visually represent the effects of climate change, further enhancing understanding. As a result of these efforts, residents in Shama now recognise climate change as a canker rather than a myth. He said, 'Our organisation has taken it as a great duty to help these Indigenous communities with knowledge and understanding on climate issues and the need for them to reverse certain inactions to protect their livelihoods'. Mr. Dankyi said Schools and surrounding communities were already seeing signs of climate change in floods and low harvest and this situation called for lo cal actions to mitigate its impact. The meeting presented an opportunity for the formation of Community and Environmental Monitoring and Advocacy Clubs in Shama Senior High and Shama Technical Institute to promote issues on saving the environment.  Madam Manasseh Allotey, one of the participants was happy about the knowledge acquired and pledged to contribute her quota to ensure environmental sustainability.  Mr Micheal Nyan, the District NADMO officer said educating the youth and children on the need for Environmental Protection was a key step in ending environmental degeneration.  They understand that climate change stems from activities such as burning fossil fuels, land use practices like farming and mining that lead to deforestation, and waste management problems. Mr Nyan said, 'Our ultimate goal is to avert the dire effects of climate change variability'. Source: Ghana News Agency