By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
To reduce threats to biodiversity, the Federal Ministry of Environment has initiated an early action support project workshop to implement the Kunming Montreal global biodiversity framework.
At the Validation workshop in Abuja, Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said the African continent is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than any other continent.
He said the workshop aims to expand and strengthen protected areas, establish effective targets and indicators for the recovery of the natural world.
He highlighted the importance of utilizing tools to reduce threats to biodiversity, emphasizing the guidance provided by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
He stressed the significance of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) as the policy instrument for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and emphasised the need to align and validate the NBSAP with the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to accelerate action toward the vision for biodiversity.
Furthermore, he urged for bold action aligned with the urgency of the crisis, advocating for unity in efforts to expand protected areas, secure finance, halt human-induced extinction of wild species, and promote mutual accountability to halt forest loss and degradation.
Salako expressed confidence that Nigeria can lead the way in implementing national biodiversity targets and assured continued support from the Federal Government in the effective implementation of instruments such as NBSAP to build sustainability and conservation in the country. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to the ECOWAS coordination process and the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.
In his speech at the occasion, Country Representative at the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Koffy Kouame, lauded Nigeria’s dedication to integrating agrifood systems into its national strategies.
Kouame, who was represented by FAO’s Climate Change Specialist, Nifesimi Ogunkua, pledged support to the implementation and evaluation of the NBSAPs.
“At FAO, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in this endeavour. Our commitment extends beyond mere words, as we pledge our full support to the implementation and evaluation of the NBSAPs. We recognise the importance of a holistic approach and are ready to work closely with Nigeria to achieve these goals.
“To facilitate this process, FAO has developed an impressive array of tools, frameworks, and approaches specifically designed to support the realisation of the Global 2030 targets. We believe that by leveraging these tools, Nigeria will significantly achieve its KMGBF national targets.
“FAO is open to collaborating with other partners in Nigeria. We understand the importance of collective action, and our doors are open. We are ready to work hand in hand with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful Implementation of the NBSAPs,” he stated
