With forests shrinking and ecosystems degrading, the global biodiversity crisis has shifted from a distant environmental concern to an urgent development challenge.
Nearly one million species now face extinction, underscoring the need for practical, community-driven solutions.
In response, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in December 2022, setting ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond.
Central to the framework is the commitment to conserve 30 per cent of the world’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030, popularly referred to as the “30 by 30” target.
Beyond conservation, the GBF also prioritises the sustainable use of biodiversity, increased financing for nature, integrated land and sea-use planning, and the mainstreaming of nature’s value into economic and development activities.
Importantly, the framework recognises the crucial role of indigenous peoples and local communities, emphasising that biodiversity protection must not undermine their rights, livelihoods or cultural heritage.
Against this backdrop, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has continued to deepen engagement with host communities through advocacy, awareness campaigns and validation workshops aimed at promoting environmental stewardship.
To further consolidate these efforts, UNESCO secured one million dollars in funding from the India–UN Development Partnership Fund to implement biodiversity business training across three sites in Nigeria.
The selected locations are Shere Hills, characterised by undulating hills and rocky formations on the Jos Plateau; Oban Biosphere Reserve, a tropical rainforest located in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River; and Omo Biosphere Reserve, another tropical rainforest situated in Ogun.
According to UNESCO, biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions within ecosystems.
It is fundamental to human well-being, ecosystem stability, food security, cultural identity and economic development.
Given the dependence of host communities on forest resources for survival, youths and women were deliberately selected from communities surrounding the reserves for training in nature-based and alternative livelihood businesses.
The objective was to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems by curbing harmful human activities such as illegal logging, wildlife hunting and forest encroachment.
The conservation initiative was implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), the National Park Service (NPS) and Nigeria’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Committee.
It was tagged “Biodiversity Business in Oban Biosphere Reserve, Omo Biosphere Reserve and Shere Hills Reserve, Nigeria: A Means to Poverty Reduction, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development”.
The programme trained community members in tomato farming, poultry, fisheries and piggery.
The training aimed to enable participants to engage in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry without exerting pressure on forest resources, while also supporting food security, income generation and the preservation of endangered plant and animal species.
The programme held from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11 for 10 Shere Hills communities; Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 for Nov. 12 Oban communities; and Nov. 10 to Nov. 15 for 10 Omo communities.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and Representative to Nigeria, said the initiative addressed a core UNESCO priority of balancing conservation with sustainable development.
According to him, the training is especially timely as the global community intensifies efforts to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
“At UNESCO, our philosophy is simple but powerful; to reconcile nature protection with human development within our biosphere reserves.
“We count on continued partnership with state governments and local communities to ensure the success of this project,” Abiaga said.
He outlined the initiative as a bold step that should inspire collective action linking conservation with community well-being, adding that UNESCO hoped the programme would deliver lasting benefits for both people and nature.
Abiaga also noted that the programme aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
“UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to working hand in hand with relevant institutions to achieve the project’s objectives and deliver tangible results for Nigeria’s communities and ecosystems,” he said.
During the Omo reserve training, Abiaga paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, urging the state to sustain its commitment to preserving the biosphere reserve.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, said the training was a pathway for communities to profit from sustainable resource use while safeguarding ecological integrity.
Represented by Prof. Zacharia Yaduma, Director-General of FRIN, Lawal said environmental education, combined with business and livelihood skills, remained critical to achieving sustainability.
“By equipping participants with entrepreneurial skills, we are promoting nature-based businesses that enhance local resources, alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable production methods,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Enang Moma, National Professional Officer, Natural Science Sector, UNESCO, said the programme aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025), especially its focus on poverty reduction, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
She added that the training would strengthen participants’ capacity to operate green businesses, generate sustainable income and reduce harmful activities within forest ecosystems.
Moma further highlighted the programme’s contribution to South-South cooperation, noting Nigeria’s participation in the 36th MAB-ICC conference, where discussions focused on soil health and its role in supporting biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
At the Shere Hills training, Dr Collina Kambai, Focal Person for the area, said 223 participants were trained in piggery, while 177 received training in greenhouse tomato cultivation, which has boosted the community’s visibility and income potential.
Although Shere Hills is yet to be officially designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Kambai expressed optimism that approval would further expand benefits for host communities.
Similarly, Dr Tayo Oyetayo, Focal Point for Omo Biosphere Reserve, recalled that the reserve was approved by UNESCO in 1977 and has since benefited from grants and capacity-building initiatives.
Explaining the structure of biosphere reserves, Oyetayo said they comprise core, buffer and transition zones, with the core strictly protected, the buffer partially protected, and the transition zone allowing regulated human activities.
He lamented increasing encroachment into protected areas, which has endangered species such as iroko and mahogany trees, while elephants, once dominant in the forest are now under serious threat.
In Cross River, CP Joseph Ntui, Conservator of the Cross River National Park, Akamkpa, pledged the National Park Service’s commitment to global conservation standards.
He said Nigeria is a signatory to several international conventions aimed at protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change and safeguarding ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Prof. Yaduma, Chairman of Nigeria’s MAB Committee, disclosed that three additional sites; Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Kainji National Park and Okomu National Park, have been proposed for UNESCO recognition.
According to him, securing approval would boost eco-tourism, attract funding, strengthen capacity building and create alternative livelihoods for host communities.
He expressed confidence that expanded conservation efforts would yield long-term environmental and economic benefits for Nigeria.
All in all, stakeholders insist that linking conservation with community livelihoods is crucial to protecting Nigeria’s forests.
They noted that training and providing alternative income sources would help ease pressure on ecosystems while supporting national development and global biodiversity targets.
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)