Ogonize, Yasunize Campaigns Push for Environmental Justice Ahead of COP 30
By Ekemini Simon
As the world prepares for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a growing movement is advocating for environmental justice, protection of biodiversity, and the building of resilience in the face of a changing climate.
The Ogonize and Yasunize campaigns, inspired by the struggles of the Ogoni people in Nigeria and the people of Ecuador, are gaining momentum worldwide calling for corporations and the government to take responsibility for environmental damages and prioritise sustainability.
In a statement issued by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) the campaign is powered by activists, community groups, and allies globally.
HOMEF said the campaigns demand that those responsible for environmental damage pay reparations and face legal consequences, while shielding biodiversity hotspots and indigenous territories from harmful activities. They also call for investing in ecosystem restoration, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and encouraging renewable energy adoption.
Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF and a leading environmental activist, said that Ogonize and Yasunize are more than campaigns since they represent a fight for what is right. “We want to ensure that communities impacted by environmental disasters are heard, their land is restored, and future generations inherit a healthy planet,” he said.
Bassey added that Yasunize is about rethinking human relationship with nature, recognising that some places are too valuable to exploit and that humans need to prioritise the health of the planet over short-term profits.
The statement said that while the campaigns focus on holding corporations accountable, and protecting vital ecosystems, it also promotes international solidarity for countries and communities committed to protecting their natural resources.
HOMEF explained that as the climate crisis deepens, Ogonize and Yasunize offer a pathway forward, inviting governments, organizations, and individuals to join the movement and advocate for policies prioritizing justice and halting ecocide.
“We call on you to join this campaign for the protection of vital ecosystems and the rights of indigenous peoples,” the statement charged, adding that collective action can drive real change and create a better future for all.