Plants 285,000 new trees ; restores over 400,000 hectares of forest reverser
Governments at all levels, corporate organisations, NGOs and Nigerians in general have been urged to commit themselves strongly to reducing the impacts of climate change in the country.
They can do that by embracing and promoting environmental sustainability efforts and lifestyles including tree planting, forests conservation and renewable energy sources for power generation.
Chairman, National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, Hon. Justice (Mrs) R. I. B Adebiyi made the call at the foundation’s 35th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos.
In a speech, Justice Adebiyi noted that climate change impacts such as flooding, species extinction, coastal erosion, desertification, amongst others were threatening the country on all fronts, and that the right actions must be taken now by all and sundry to contain the disasters.
Also identifying plastic pollution as another serious environmental concern, Justice Adebiyi encouraged Nigerians to begin to patronise only recyclable materials to help tackle the menace.
On how the NCF fared in the last one year in its mandate of creating a Nigerian society where people prosper while living in harmony with nature, the NCF NEC Chairman stated that “through our various reforestation and habitat restoration projects under our flagship programme -the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) programme, we successfully planted over 285,000 trees, rehabilitating degraded landscapes and promoting resilience”.
According to her, “We did all of these in addition to the continued management of the following forest reserves: Lekki Conservation Centre (78 hectares), Becheve Nature Reserve (120 hectares) , Ono Forest Reserve (65,000 hectares) , Finima Nature Park (1,000 hectares), Hadejia -Nguru wetlands Conservation (350,000 hectares).
” All of these were possible thanks to the support of our traditional and new partners.
“I call upon upon each of you to continue your invaluable support. Our collective efforts are crucial in driving forward our mission.
“Let us recommit ourselves to the vision of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and work together to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for Nigeria and the world. Let each of us please commit today to one sustainable practice to help reduce the effects of climate change.
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome you all to the 35th Annual General Meeting of the NCF . Today we gather to reflect on our journey over the last year, to celebrate our achievements and chart the course fit that future of conservation in Nigeria.
“Despite the challenges posed by a global economic downturn, we have remained steadfast in our mission to preserve Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
“The year under review has been marked by significant milestones and achievements that have further solidified our position as the leading conservation organization in Nigeria”.
Among other achievements, Justice Adebiyi pointed out that the foundation deployed resources towards community engagement, wildlife conservation and environmental education, even as it was strategizing to scale up conservation efforts, build capacity of staff and volunteers and increase environmental advocacy.
The Director General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja reeled out giant strides recorded in conserving nature across the country, highlighting that wetland restoration projects were carried out focusing on preserving vital habitats for migratory birds and other species in peril.
Onoja submitted that during the year under review which was the third year of the implementation of NCF Strategic Action Plan, they were more focused and innovative in implementing environmental sustainability efforts and nature conservation.
“2023 was a great year for NCF. It was the 3rd year of the implementation of the NCF Strategic Action Plan (SAP 2021-2025). Guided by the SAP, we became more focused and innovative and implemented impactful programmes and projects on environmental sustainability and nature conservation.
“Despite the challenges that characterised the year globally,our Foundation demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. We have made significant progress in our mission to preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
“Our wetland restoration projects focused on preserving vital habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife in Hadejia -Nguru and other locations. These efforts did not only enhance biodiversity but also supported the livelihoods of local communities dependent on these ecosystems.
“We expanded our community based conservation programs , empowering local communities to actively participate in conservation activities.
“By providing alternative livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices,we reduced human -wildlife conflicts and fostered a sense of Stewardship among community members.
“The 3-year forest management and livelihood improvement project we are implementing in cross River State has not only reduced deforestation and forest encroachment but helped to alleviate poverty and boost food security in 8 communities of cross River State. This €600,000 project is jointly implemented by NCF and the nature and biodiversity conservation union (NABU) – that Birdlife Partner in Germany”.
Onoja called on the Government to tighten policies against illegal logging and habitat encroachment, which he listed as among challenges encountered.
His words : “While we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. Issues such as donor fatigue, change of the leadership of MDAs necessitated by the advent of the new government in Nigeria, limited cooperation from some state governments, illegal logging, habitat encroachment, and climate change continue to pose significant threats to our conservation efforts.
“However,these challenges have also provided valuable lessons, reinforcing the importance of resilience, innovation and collaboration”.
“As we celebrate 44 years of conservation excellence,let us renew our commitment to protecting our natural heritage for future generations. The road ahead may be challenging,but with your continued support,I am confident that we can achieve even greater heights”.
On his part, the President Board of Trustees of the foundation, Chief Izoma Philip Asiodu , CFR, CON had maintained that great efforts had been deployed towards increasing the nation’s forest cover from the current 7 percent to 25 percent in 2047 in line with the NCF’s Green Recovery Nigeria Program.
Chief Asiodu who acknowledged continued government support, reported that great works were carried out to save species in peril like Cross River gorilla, wild cat, Sea turtles and African forest elephants.
“Working with many international and local donors including corporate partners, we implemented a lot of projects under the Green Recovery Nigeria GRN programme, a flagship programming of the NCF SAP,. The GRN which started in 2017 is a 30 year ambitious program which seems to recover and restore Nigeria’s forest cover from the current 7% to 25 % by 2047. We are consistently pushing towards achieving this goal. Last year, with support from our partners,we planted over 285,000 trees across the country.
“Several conservation projects were implemented under the saving species in peril pillars. Some important aspects of our strategy and resource mobilization were targeted at some of our focal species.
” Working with diverse partners, we implemented projects for the preservation of endangered animals, birds and plants. These projects focused on the conservation of species like the critically endangered cross River gorilla, wild cats like lion and leopard, sea turtle, the African forest elephants, vulture and others.
” To properly galvanize efforts towards the climate change crisis, we inaugurated the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA) in July 2023. The support we received from Ford Foundation helped in achieving this. Through this alliance, we now have passionate CSOs , who are promoting one agenda or the other in tackling the impact of climate change”.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka commended the NCF management for doing a great job, promising to use her position to press for regular subvention from the state government to ensure proper maintenance of the Lekki Conservation Centre, LCC.
The Commissioner was impressed that the LCC has become such a globally recognised nature resort where local and international fun seekers come for site seeing and relaxation.
Former Cross River State First Lady, Onare Duke, a member of the NCF Board was among other dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Also well represented at the event were students who are members of various nature clubs in selected secondary schools within Lagos State.
