Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, raised concerns over accelerating global deforestation, revealing that an estimated 10 million hectares of forests are lost every year.
Ezemonye raised the concern during activities marking the International Day of Forests at the university in Edo State.
According to him, the level of deforestation poses far-reaching environmental and socio-economic threats.
Activities marking the International Day of Forests at the Igbinedion University, Okada, in Edo State
Ezemonye said that Nigeria was not insulated from the trend, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which ranked the country among those with the highest deforestation rates in Africa.
“The consequences of this loss are grave,” he said, pointing to rising cases of flooding, desertification, ecosystem collapse, displacement of communities and the worsening impacts of climate change.
Describing the annual observance as more than ceremonial, Ezemonye said it should serve as a rallying point for urgent action.
He added that universities must play a central role as “custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions.”
The V-C reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasising that it remained a core institutional value beyond academic discourse.
Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Nosa Adams, said forests must be protected as critical climate assets.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Victor Otamere, said “protecting the forests is protecting our lives.”
Adams said that the state government had taken steps to safeguard forest resources, including the establishment of the Edo Forestry Commission.
The Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Valentine Asuen, represented by Area Forest Officer for Ovia North East, Mrs. Joan Omosigho, acknowledged the mounting pressure on forest resources and urged Nigerians to take responsibility for its protection.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the university, Prof. Spencer Nwangwu, said that forests across the world were under intense threat from human activities.
Nwangwu listed the activities to include agricultural expansion, urbanisation and illegal logging.
He urged participants to move beyond rhetoric and commit to practical actions that would reverse environmental degradation.
The event, themed “Forests and Economies,” drew attention to the critical role forests play in sustaining livelihoods and supporting global economic systems.
WorldStage Nigeria projects inflation will ease to 12.94 per cent, citing ongoing reforms and cautious optimism for economic growth.
The media firm notes the forecast is below the current inflation rate of 15.06 per cent.
It presented the outlook at its Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 event with the theme “Nigeria’s Economy: Getting it Right” on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Lagos.
L-R:Mr Segun Adeleye, President/CEo, World Stage limited, Miss Nike Popoola, a journalist and Insurance Expert; Dr. Abina Praise representing Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA and Chairman of OPSN; Captain Badamasi M.S, a Pilot and Mr Segun Koiki, a journalist and Aviation Expert at the public presentation of WorldStage Nigeria’s Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the LCCI-BOI Innovation Hub, Nurudeen Olowpopo Street, Alausa Ikeja Lagos
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, reviewed the publication titled “Turning the Corner”.
Represented by Ms. Temilade Aruya, Director, Public Affairs in the ministry, he described the report as a timely contribution to economic discourse.
He said it captures a country transitioning from economic strain towards recovery, stability and sustainable growth.
“As its title suggests, ‘Turning the Corner’ reflects a nation moving towards recovery and long-term growth,” he said.
Omotoso said the report projected GDP growth of 4.49 per cent in 2026 alongside easing inflation, reflecting “cautious optimism”.
“This balance between optimism and realism is a key strength, acknowledging infrastructure gaps, high capital costs and global uncertainties,” he said.
He said the report provided a broad assessment covering banking, capital markets, telecommunications, agriculture, manufacturing, maritime, aviation, health, education and the creative sector.
According to him, the analysis highlights the need for a holistic and inclusive growth strategy.
“No single sector can drive growth in isolation. Progress must be interconnected across industries,” he said.
On banking, he said reforms including recapitalisation, digital innovation and stronger regulation positioned the sector as critical to a one-trillion-dollar economy.
He, however, stressed the importance of workforce stability.
“Sustainable growth must be people-centred. Strong institutions depend on capital and human resources,” he said.
On capital markets, he noted strong performance and rising investor confidence, while warning of policy uncertainty risks in a pre-election period.
“Policy consistency, regulatory clarity and macroeconomic stability will sustain investor confidence,” he said.
Omotoso said the report identified growth opportunities driven by reforms, innovation and investment across key sectors.
He added that it provided insight into policies such as exchange rate reforms, subsidy removal and tax restructuring.
He acknowledged short-term challenges but said the reforms were vital for long-term stability.
“The message is clear: consistent policy implementation will determine reform success.
“The report also identifies risks including inflation, exchange rate volatility, rising debt costs and infrastructure gaps,” he said.
He stressed that inclusive growth must translate into better living standards, jobs and wider opportunities.
Omotoso urged government, private sector and civil society to remain committed to sustaining reforms.
“Turning the corner is only the beginning. Sustained progress requires discipline, strong institutions and collective commitment,” he said.
Earlier, WorldStage President, Mr. Segun Adeleye, said the outlook offered detailed analysis of trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the economy.
He said credible information was essential for operators to make informed investment decisions as the economy expands.
Adeleye noted the report was produced through partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
He added that quarterly reports would be released to guide businesses as Nigeria targets a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“Work on the Q1 2026 report is advanced, offering actionable insights for policymakers, businesses and investors,” he said.
According to him, key metrics include GDP, inflation, exchange rate, oil output and prices, non-oil revenue, manufacturing PMI and foreign reserves.
Kano State Government is updating and reviewing its forestry law to align with modern standards.
Mustapha Mohammad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, made this known in Kano, the state capital, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during the opening of the review meeting.
He said the review would strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable forest management and address issues like deforestation, adding that “the existing law is outdated and doesn’t address current environmental challenges.”
Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kano State
He explained that the revised legislation is expected to reflect current global practices, particularly in safeguarding natural resources and addressing growing threat of deforestation.
Director of Ecology and Forestry in the ministry, Mohammad Auwal, described the review as timely and necessary, stressing that it would enhance the state’s capacity to tackle environmental degradation.
Auwal said the new law would provide stronger legal framework for prosecuting individuals involved in unauthorised tree felling, which he identified as major contributor to environmental decline in Kano State.
A retired Director from the Ministry of Justice, Salisu Abdullahi Marmara, expressed optimism that the involvement of experienced professionals would ensure the emergence of a robust legal framework.
He added that the reviewed law would be forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval once finalised.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) says small and large enterprises have benefited from a N825 million clean energy financing window.
The initiative is part of a $600,000 GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP project.
Of the total, $550,000 were disbursed to BOI for on-lending to eligible industries.
Dignitaries at the presentation of the financing results to national stakeholders and financial institutions in Abuja on Thursday
The funding supports investments in energy efficiency, cleaner production technologies, renewable energy solutions, recycling infrastructure, and resource-efficient production systems.
Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, Executive Director, Risk Management and ITD, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP, disclosed this during the presentation of the financing results to national stakeholders and financial institutions in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
She said the programme demonstrated how targeted financing could unlock industrial growth while promoting environmental sustainability.
“The initiative enabled companies to adopt energy-efficient machinery, reduce production costs, and improve environmental performance,” she added.
She said the programme, implemented with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), involved collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to deepen industrial participation.
Uz’Okpala emphasised that both large and small firms benefited, with small businesses accessing grants and financing for equipment upgrades and cleaner technologies across manufacturing, agro-processing, hospitality, logistics, and other value chains.
Dr Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer, UNIDO, said the initiative was part of Nigeria’s Programme for Country Partnership framework and had strong potential for scaling up resource-efficient and cleaner production practices nationwide.
He called for expansion of the financing model to reach more industries and deepen Nigeria’s transition to green manufacturing, emphasising that partnerships among government, financial institutions, and development agencies were critical to sustaining gains.
Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Director-General of MAN, said the programme leveraged risk-sharing mechanisms to encourage investments in innovative technologies.
“The first-loss guarantee structure helped reduce lender risks while attracting private sector participation,” he added.
Mr. Kabiru Jeda of the Federal Ministry of Environment commended stakeholders for promoting environmental sustainability, saying the programme aligned with Nigeria’s goals of green growth and reducing environmental impacts across industries.
Dr Jacob Oladapo, National Project Coordinator, said beyond technical support, the project helped industries identified practical opportunities to cut costs, improved productivity, and reduced environmental impact through cleaner production practices.
He emphasised that access to financing remained the critical missing link, adding that the session guided stakeholders on funding options, eligibility, and translating technical recommendations into real investments.
Forests are not only vital ecosystems but also indispensable to economies and industries worldwide. This year’s International Day of Forests highlights the crucial link between forests and economies, underscoring the role forests play across sectors – from agriculture and construction to energy and tourism.
Globally, forests supply essential raw materials for housing, medicine, food and fuel – but their economic value extends far beyond production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), at least 33 million people are employed in the forest sector worldwide, with demand for forest-based products and ecotourism continuing to grow.
Forests supply essential raw materials for housing, medicine, food and fuel. Photo credit: Dhana Kencana / Climate Visuals Countdown
Forests also provide ecosystem services with wide-ranging benefits for economic growth and prosperity. By regulating climate, maintaining soil fertility and safeguarding water security, they boost agricultural productivity and help reduce the costs associated with climate-related disasters.
These benefits are particularly significant for poverty alleviation and inclusive, sustainable development. In many low-income countries, forests contribute a larger share of GDP and provide a vital safety net for vulnerable communities during times of economic stress. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) estimates that more than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for subsistence, income or employment.
Yet these economic lifelines are under growing threat. Deforestation, forest degradation and climate change are putting these ecosystems – and the industries and communities that rely on them – at risk. Strengthening restoration and conservation efforts is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also an economic one. FAO estimates that non-wood forest products alone are worth at least 9.41 billion USD annually, with potential for further growth.
Strengthening transparency through REDD+ assessments
UN Climate Change is convening the 13th technical assessment week of REDD+ reference levels in Bonn from March 23 to 27, 2026.
These assessments play a key role in enhancing the transparency and credibility of efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), while supporting countries in their implementation. Improving the accuracy of reference levels also helps build technical capacity and strengthen national systems.
This year, seven countries are undergoing technical assessments. Cameroon and Guinea have submitted their reference levels for the first time, while Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal and Nigeria have updated theirs using improved methodologies and data.
COP30 Presidency launches roadmap to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030
At COP30, the Brazilian Presidency positioned forests as both an economic cornerstone and a critical front in climate action.
“Forests can buy us time in climate action in our rapidly closing window of opportunity,” said COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago ahead of the conference. “If we reverse deforestation and recover what has been lost, we can unlock massive removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while bringing ecosystems back to life. Healthier ecosystems can equally offer resilience and bioeconomy opportunities by promoting local livelihoods, creating sophisticated value-chains, and generating innovations in biotechnology.”
The COP30 Presidency closed the conference by launching work on a Roadmap for Halting and Reversing Deforestation and Forest Degradation by 2030. The initiative aims to translate the outcomes of the first global stocktake into concrete action, emphasizing the need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation to achieve the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, including through incentives such as results-based payments.
The roadmap will provide guidance, identify existing solutions and means of implementation, and highlight key obstacles. As a first step, the COP30 Presidency has opened a call for submissions until March 31, 2026, inviting contributions from diverse stakeholders and emphasising the importance of an inclusive, participatory and transparent process.
From March 23 to 25, 2026, Nouakchott in Mauritania hosted the Elective General Assembly of the pan-African organisation, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). Held under the auspices of the Nouakchott Region, which had held the presidency since 2022, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the past term and elect new leadership for the next three years.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mohamed Ahmed Lemine, Mauritania’s Minister of the Interior, Decentralisation, and Local Development. The ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, as well as the Deputy Minister for Decentralisation, Yacoub Salem Vall. Also present were members of UCLG Africa from the continent’s five regions, the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from UCLG World and international partners (UNDP, GIZ, UNFPA).
The Elective General Assembly of UCLG Africa in Nouakchott, Mauritania
In his opening remarks, the Minister of the Interior emphasised that the assembly is part of an effort to strengthen inter-African cooperation, while highlighting the crucial role of local governments in the continent’s governance. He also noted that Mauritania’s decentralisation strategy is based on major institutional and legal reforms designed to bring the administration closer to citizens and increase the effectiveness of public action.
The President of UCLG Africa and the Nouakchott Region, Ms. Fatimetou Abdelmalick, reviewed the achievements of her term, which was marked by efforts to restore the organisation’s administrative and financial health.
“The journey has been demanding and fraught with considerable challenges. However, thanks to the collective will and unwavering commitment of our teams, we have been able to restore the necessary balance and put the organisation back on a stable and constructive path. This success would not have been possible without the support of Morocco, the Mauritanian authorities, and the favourable political climate currently prevailing on the African continent with regard to decentralisation,” she said.
For his part, Bamba Ould Dermane, president of the Association of Mayors of Mauritania, emphasised that the conference is taking place at a time of major climate, economic, and security challenges. In the face of rapid urbanisation, he stressed the leading role of local governments in developing tailored, community-based solutions.
Echoing this sentiment, the UNDP Resident Representative in Mauritania, Mansour Ndiaye, noted that the meeting is taking place in an international climate marked by persistent development challenges. To this end, he reaffirmed the strategic importance of decentralised cooperation and the territorialisation of public policies.
Participants attended a high-level panel discussion titled: “City Diplomacy and Cross-Border Cooperation in the Context of Multifaceted Crises.” Moderated by Mr. François Menguélé, the new Secretary General of UCLG Africa, this discussion brought together Mr. Sidi Khalifa, Permanent Secretary of the Association of Mayors of Mauritania; Mr. Chakir Mohammed, from Morocco’s General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT); and Mr. Elroy Africa, an expert advisor on decentralisation and integrated border management (speaking via videoconference).
The panelists demonstrated that cross-border cooperation is an essential extension of state diplomacy, particularly in the face of security, climate, and migration crises. On this occasion, Morocco’s experience was highlighted through the African Fund for Support to International Decentralised Cooperation (FACDI). This major financial mechanism supports South-South cooperation projects between the Kingdom’s local authorities and their counterparts across the continent.
Elections
The second day of the meeting was devoted to the renewal of UCLG Africa’s governing bodies. Delegates proceeded to elect the members of the Pan-African Council (45 members), the Financial Management Committee (five members), the Executive Committee (15 members, plus three ex officio members from the REFELA, YELO, and FORAF networks), and the Presidency (five members).
As guests of honour at the event, the President of the global organisation (UCLG), Mr. Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya (Turkey), and the Secretary General of UCLG World, Ms. Emilia Saiz, sent messages of support to the Africa Chapter. They reaffirmed the continent’s central role within the global organisation, while inviting the new leadership of UCLG Africa to actively participate in the World Congress, scheduled to take place in Tangier (Morocco) from June 23 to 26, 2026.
The Association of Mayors of Senegal (AMS) has been elected to the head of UCLG Africa presidency. Represented by its president, Mr. Oumar Ba, the AMS is beginning a three-year term. This new leadership was appointed by consensus by all members.
Composition of the new Presidency
The presidency is supported by five regional vice-presidencies, distributed as follows:
West Africa: Association of Mayors of Senegal (Senegal)
Central Africa: United Communes and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC)
East Africa: Kisumu County (Kenya)
Southern Africa: Mazabuka City Council (Zambia)
North Africa: Nouakchott Region (Mauritania)
Network Elections
YELO (Network of Young Local Elected Officials in Africa): The municipality of Haouza, represented by its mayor, Mr. Sidi Alal Boussid, was elected to lead the network.
REFELA (Network of Local Elected Women of Africa): The network proposed postponing the election of its leadership by one month. A meeting will be held for this purpose in late April 2026, in the region of the new President of UCLG Africa.
FORAF (Forum of African Regions): The Forum of African Regions also decided to postpone the selection of its leadership to a later date.
African Candidates for UCLG Global Bodies
In preparation for the renewal of UCLG World’s leadership, the following candidates have been officially nominated to represent the African continent:
UCLG World Co-Presidency: Mr. Bheki Stofile (President of SALGA, South Africa).
UCLG World Treasurer: Ms. Fatiha El Moudni (Mayor of Rabat, Morocco).
Chair of the Gender Commission: Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick (President of the Nouakchott Region, Mauritania).
Vice-Chair of the Africa Section of UCLG World: Mr. Amadou Koné (UVICOCI, Côte d’Ivoire).
The new president of UCLG Africa chaired the organisation’s first Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. In his inaugural address, Mr. Oumar Ba expressed his deep gratitude to his peers and issued a solemn call for unity and teamwork.
“We are counting on everyone’s commitment. UCLG Africa now occupies a strategic position within the institutional architecture, both at the continental and global levels. Our top priority is to preserve these fundamental achievements. Next, we will focus on strengthening integration across the continent’s various regions,” he stated.
At this first meeting of the Executive Committee, a motion of recognition was adopted in honor of Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick. In recognition of her exemplary leadership, the outgoing president was elevated to the rank of President Emeritus of the organisation.
A heartfelt tribute to Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi
One of the highlights of this General Assembly was the series of tributes paid to Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the outgoing Secretary General, for his unwavering commitment to the African and global municipal movement over the past two decades. Expressions of deep gratitude were offered by the Executive Committee, the Culture Commission of UCLG Africa, the Secretary General of UCLG World, and his successor as Secretary General.
All paid tribute to the legacy of a visionary whose work has left a lasting mark on the territorial architecture of the continent.
In March 2026, the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation is thrilled to celebrate Christina Godding, a long-time ally of elephants and a true champion for our planet. From her days as Programme Administrator at the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation to her current role as Programme Officer on the Food Systems, Ocean, and Land-Use Programme at ClientEarth, Christina has carried her passion for wildlife and conservation into every corner of her work. EPI Foundation caught up with her for a fun chat about elephants, conservation adventures, and what it really means to be a friend of wildlife
Christina Godding
Tell us a bit about your upbringing and what inspired your passion for wildlife conservation.
I had always loved animals and been fascinated by wildlife as a child. However, I didn’t know about “conservation” at the time. I thought that if you wanted to work with animals, you either became a vet or a zookeeper – both wonderful and admirable jobs, but neither felt quite right for me. I went on to study Economics at the undergraduate level, as I thought it would be a broad and useful subject that could be transferable to many career paths and open different doors for me.
It was during my undergrad placement year that everything changed. Having only recently discovered international volunteering, I travelled to Zimbabwe to spend four weeks on a game reserve in Gweru. Here, I got to work with lions, elephants and other fascinating African wildlife, as well as engage with the local community. It was there that I first learned about the world of conservation, and I was immediately captivated – by the concept itself, and by the deep love I developed for both Africa’s wildlife and its people. From that single experience, I knew this was what I was meant to do!
I spent every moment after that doing all I could to transition into conservation – from returning to Zimbabwe to complete wildlife reserve management and wildlife conservation research internships, to volunteering more closely to home with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), both on their illegal wildlife trade fundraising campaign and as a Visitor Engagement Volunteer at London Zoo itself. I later undertook a Master’s in Conservation at University College London to build the academic foundation and cement my transition into a career in conservation.
After completing my studies, I was thrilled to gain my first professional role in conservation at the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation, where I could contribute to two of my key interests: improving human-wildlife coexistence and tackling the illegal wildlife trade. I learned so much, worked alongside experts in the field, and connected with many brilliant partners across Africa. I’m grateful for the skills, experiences, and connections I gained at EPIF – the first chapter of many I hope to come in my conservation career.
You now work on food systems, oceans, and land use. What’s one surprising link between elephants and your current work?
In my current role at ClientEarth, I work within the Europe branch of the Food Systems, Ocean and Land Use programme. Although my focus is on European projects currently, many of the initiatives I’ve been fortunate to support have long-reaching impacts that extend to habitats and wildlife, including elephant populations, in Africa. It has been surprising to see just how interconnected our world and ecosystems really are, and how the decisions and actions of businesses and governments on one continent can have profound consequences for communities and wildlife on another.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in aligning elephant conservation with broader environmental issues like food systems, land use, and climate change?
I think that one of the biggest challenges today is that, as broader environmental issues like climate change and unsustainable food systems and land use become ever more urgent and take centre stage, competition for already limited funding and resources is likely to intensify. With so many organisations competing for the same scarce support, there’s a real risk that species-specific conservation could be overshadowed as funding is channelled into tackling broader systemic issues.
While addressing those root causes is essential and will bring huge benefits for wildlife and people alike, I believe it is vital that we continue to direct funding towards species-specific conservation, also, so that wildlife receives the critical, targeted, on-the-ground protection that is needed to address immediate threats too. This is especially true for keystone and ecosystem engineer species – like elephants – whose protection not only safeguards them, but also supports the health of their ecosystems, and the many other species that depend on those habitats.
In your view, why is collaboration between organisations critical for driving lasting impact in conservation?
For starters, I don’t believe any single organisation can solve today’s conservation challenges alone. No one actor has the capacity, knowledge, resources, or expertise to single-handedly address issues of this complexity. We are learning more every day how cross-cutting and interconnected these challenges really are – they affect everything from the smallest organisms to the most biodiverse ecosystems, and from the lone pastoralists to the world’s largest, global economies. And it is because of this vast, wide-reaching nature of environmental issues that lasting impact can only happen when we share learning, pool resources, and bring together different areas of expertise.
During my time at the EPIF, I was fortunate enough to see (and to play a part in) this kind of transformative cross-border, multi-sector collaboration when we teamed up with the World Bank’s Global Wildlife Program to host an international Human-Elephant Conflict & Coexistence workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop brought together government representatives, NGOs, funding institutions, and experts from across countries, departments, and sectors to openly share knowledge and experiences.
The mix of perspectives led to context-specific insights, lessons learned, and practical recommendations that none of us could have reached alone. It was inspiring to witness everyone working together, and the success of the event showed just how powerful true collaboration can be.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a career in wildlife and environmental conservation?
As someone who didn’t come from a conservation background, my first piece of advice would be that it is never too late to become a conservationist. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from or what your previous experience is – if you want to build a career in conservation, all you need is a bit of tenacity, a willingness to learn, and commitment to the cause (and the dream!).
If, like me, you start from scratch, focus on building your knowledge, experience, and network. Formal education can also be a huge asset. I went on to do a Master’s in Conservation at UCL, which gave me the core foundations of conservation science and practice, and really helped me to build up my knowledge base. Additionally, wherever possible, try to gain field experience. Volunteer locally with conservation groups near you, and if you can, take on international opportunities to see how things work in practice.
If you can get out into the field, I also believe it is critical to spend time with the local communities. These are the people who live in and among the wildlife and habitats you hope to protect. Those are their lands, and they are the true guardians of their home. Understanding local knowledge, history, culture, and lived experiences is essential for conservation that benefits both people and wildlife.
A new global study has identified Reykjavik in Iceland as the best place in the world to live for maintaining healthy eyesight, highlighting how environmental factors – from air quality to urban design – play a critical role in long-term vision.
The report, released in March 2026 by eyewear company Overnight Glasses, comes amid growing concern over global eye health.
An estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide are living with some form of vision impairment, according to international health data cited in the study.
Reykjavik, capital of Iceland
Environment Matters More Than You Think
Researchers evaluated cities using a composite “Eye Health Score,” factoring in air pollution, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, humidity, access to green space, and the availability of eye care professionals.
Reykjavik ranked first due to a rare combination of environmental advantages: exceptionally clean air (AQI 19), low UV exposure (index 1.7), and moderate humidity levels that help prevent dry eyes.
The Icelandic capital also maintains strong access to care, with about 12 eye specialists per 100,000 residents. Fewer than 2% of its population experiences vision loss.
Nordic cities dominated the rankings, with Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki all placing in the top six. These cities share key characteristics: low pollution, abundant green space, and relatively mild sunlight exposure.
Stockholm, ranked second, stood out for its extensive parks, offering residents significantly more green space than most global cities. Researchers noted that time spent outdoors – particularly in natural light – can reduce eye strain and may slow the progression of myopia.
Oslo followed closely, boasting the highest density of eye care professionals among Scandinavian cities, with 15 specialists per 100,000 residents. Its clean air and accessible healthcare infrastructure contribute to consistently low levels of eye irritation and untreated vision conditions.
Access to Care and Urban Planning
Outside Europe, Canberra, the capital city of Australia, ranked fourth, emerging as the highest-performing non-European city. With an impressive 420 square meters of green space per resident and low pollution levels, Canberra demonstrates how urban planning can directly influence public health outcomes.
Swiss cities Zurich and Geneva also performed strongly, particularly in access to eye care. Both cities reported among the highest concentrations of optometrists and ophthalmologists globally, reducing wait times and improving early diagnosis rates.
“Most people associate eye health with screen time or genetics, but the urban environment you live in can have just as much effect in the long term,” an ophthalmology specialist involved in the study said.
“Clean air protects the surface of the eye, while regular exposure to natural light appears to slow myopia progression, especially in younger populations. And when access to care is limited, many people simply delay checkups, increasing the risk of undiagnosed conditions.”
A Broader Public Health Signal
The findings suggest that eye health should be viewed not only as a medical issue but also as an urban policy concern. Cities with better environmental conditions and healthcare access consistently reported lower rates of vision loss, typically around or below 2% of the population.
By contrast, areas with higher pollution, excessive UV exposure, and limited access to care tend to see greater prevalence of preventable eye conditions.
As global urbanisation accelerates, researchers argue that integrating green spaces, improving air quality, and expanding access to healthcare services could play a decisive role in preserving vision for millions.
BFA Global and FSD Africa on Thursday, March 26, 2026, announced $273,000 in follow-on funding and venture-building support for four early-stage alumni of previous Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA) venture-building programme cohorts.
The four early-stage small and growing businesses (SGBs) had previously participated in the TECA programme, which seeks to grow climate solutions from concept to investment, fostering resilience and protecting the most vulnerable communities in East Africa.
The small and growing businesses have demonstrated early traction in advancing solutions in clean energy, cold storage, carbon market access, and food systems.
Tyler Ferdinand, Director of the TECA programme at BFA Global
The new financial support will provide these businesses with operational capital to scale, as well as technical support, including operational guidance, model refinement, and investment-readiness preparation. The businesses are already making waves in improving the lives of East Africans, especially in the energy and agriculture sectors.
The four are:
Africa Renewables Katalyst (ARK) connects East African renewable energy developers to global renewable energy certificate markets through data systems, verification services, and market access tools.
Plas-tech Energies converts plastic waste into clean cooking gas and distributes it through refillable cylinders, offering a safer, more affordable alternative to charcoal and kerosene.
Samaking operates a solar-powered cold chain infrastructure and a decentralised fish distribution network that reduces post-harvest losses and strengthens market stability for small traders, particularly women.
Sunwave provides solar-powered ice production and cold storage solutions designed to reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for small-scale fishers and fish traders
Such financial support is especially critical for early-stage businesses that have proven their viability but need more capital to reach commercial readiness and scale, a stage typically associated with constrained capital.
A report by Sightline Climate shows, for instance, that in 2025, early-stage deal counts fell by roughly 20 per cent to a five-year low, as investors concentrated capital into fewer companies. This shift has made follow-on capital harder to secure, particularly in emerging markets.
“Early-stage climate ventures face a critical funding cliff just as they are ready to grow,” said Tyler Ferdinand, Director of the TECA programme at BFA Global. “Our follow-on support gives them the capital, time, tools, and evidence base they need to build credible, investable businesses that improve resilience in vulnerable communities.”
Mary Kashangaki, Early-Stage Finance Manager at FSD Africa, added: “At FSD Africa, we have for years supported novel financing structures for small and growing businesses, especially those building resilience against climate change in Africa. We are proud to partner with BFA Global to provide additional support to these deserving businesses doing such important work.
“Access to capital, especially for this category of businesses, remains challenging, yet they are the majority and provide most employment on the continent. As an organisation that works to make finance work for Africa, enhancing flows to small and growing businesses and tackling climate change remain key priorities for us.”
In line with Agenda 2063, the Opportunity Africa initiative has launched its Creative Council, bringing together Africa’s leading communications, media and marketing leaders to advance a narrative that contributes to building The Africa We Want.
It is a pan-African platform and movement designed to shift how the world sees Africa and how Africa sees itself, by amplifying the people, stories and institutions already shifting perceptions. It is a shared platform that brands, institutions and storytellers can align around to communicate a stronger, more unified story of Africa.
Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter and co-chair of the Creative Council
At a time when the global order is shifting and competition for capital, influence and attention is intensifying, perception matters as much as facts. For Africa, image is no longer a soft issue. It is a strategic one. The Creative Council has been established to help ensure Africa is defined by those building it.
The Council brings together senior leaders who have shaped narratives at national, regional and global levels. Their role is to guide the creative direction of the initiative, connect it to their continent-wide networks and ensure the initiative remains credible, relevant and culturally resonant across markets.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration Africa needs to shape a narrative that reflects our aspirations under Agenda 2063 and builds The Africa We Want. In line with the mandate of the African Union Commission’s Information and Communication Directorate, this work will strengthen how we communicate the Union’s priorities and amplify Africa’s voice. We encourage more partners to join this growing movement,” said Faith Adhiambo, Communication Officer, Agenda 2063 African Union.
“It is a privilege for Africa No Filter to serve as secretariat and help steward this forward. It is unprecedented to see this level of expertise and collaboration coming together to build the narrative infrastructure Africa needs to reframe the continent,” said Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter and co-chair of the Council.
Initial members of the Creative Council include senior leaders from TRACE, Africa Practice, the African Union, Brand South Africa, IC Publications, Alpha Media Holdings, X3M Ideas and other leading institutions across the continent.
