FG partners UN agencies to combat biodiversity loss

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, land degradation, flooding, erosion and oil pollution through collaboration with international organisations and development partners. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated this during the commissioning of projects executed under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/GEF-7 Biodiversity Project at Okomu National […]

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, land degradation, flooding, erosion and oil pollution through collaboration with international organisations and development partners.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated this during the commissioning of projects executed under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/GEF-7 Biodiversity Project at Okomu National Park, Udo, in Edo State.
Lawal said the project, titled Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Use of Lowland Forest Mosaic Landscape in Delta, Edo, Ogun and Ondo states, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by FAO and executed by the National Park Service.
He said the initiative promotes integrated landscape management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable value chains and knowledge sharing to strengthen biodiversity conservation.
“Nigeria will continue to engage with GEF, FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO and other partners to mobilise resources and technical support for sustainable environmental management,” he said.
The minister also commissioned a three-room ranger barracks and a renovated focal office at Okomu National Park, alongside similar facilities at the Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State.
He urged Nigerians to protect the nation’s ecosystems, stressing that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility.
Lawal commended the Iyase N’Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, for his efforts in preserving the natural environment of the Udo community.
FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, said the projects reflect a shared commitment to biodiversity protection, improved conservation management, ecological monitoring and sustainable development for local communities.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, disclosed that the state had planted 6,000 tree seedlings as part of efforts to combat climate change and protect the ecosystem.
Earlier, Okomu Park Conservator Lawrence Osaze said the projects would strengthen protected area management, enhance community participation in conservation and reduce pressure on forest resources.