As part of its advocacy to close the knowledge gap about the level of talent in northern Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G), a body established to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment, has called for increased collaboration to accelerate growth in the region.
Participants at the stakeholder engagement meeting on the status of the northern innovation ecosystem, held in Abuja by the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G)
Despite its reputation as a hotbed of innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and other successful ventures, northern Nigeria remains lowly ranked in the innovation landscape. This is a depressing situation for which the group provided multiple explanations, citing several surveys and discussions that pointed to general issues that, if resolved, could significantly improve the region’s ecosystem’s status.
Jamila Aliyu Mohammed, the head of experimentation and public sector innovation at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), says that, to address some of the complex development challenges that have caused the region’s setbacks and to enable it to realise the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), new methodologies and approaches must be developed urgently.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in Abuja, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting organised by the NEW-G with support from the UNDP, Mohammed highlighted that one of the solutions to the crisis is to put the region on the map so it can gain the necessary visibility, which she believed would lead to a frontier challenge that could help the region attract funding and investment to the ecosystem.
According to her, this need prompted the NEW-G’s Ecosystem Mapping Project (EMP), which was carried out to accurately chart and analyse northern Nigeria’s innovation terrain.
She continued by clarifying that this all-encompassing strategy is expected to spur improved knowledge, collaboration, and focused action, ultimately contributing to the development and growth of the region’s robust, interconnected, and dynamic innovation ecosystem.
“If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and have everyone work together,” she said, because right now “we are working in silos,” which allows falling into the same trap of repeating and recreating the same thing over and over again.
As a result, she believes that bringing the stakeholders together in a single space will foster a shared understanding among the diverse industry players and lead to a collective solution to the problem.
Elaborating more about the purpose of the gathering, Musa Ali Baba, the coordinator of NEW-G, hinted that his group had brought the participants together to make sure the innovation ecosystem in the northern region of the country is elevated to a certain degree of prominence and to highlight the accomplishments that have already been made.
This, according to him, is because change starts with conversations, and the reason for the forum is to ensure that private conversations become public conversations to bring people and ideas together.
“We don’t pretend to have answers to everything; what we are doing is creating a platform for that to happen,” Ali Baba said.
However, the NEW-G has created a data platform to gather information that helps bring reputation to both the opportunities and issues that require urgent attention going forward.
“That starts with the conversation,” and then “we move on to the collaboration,” to address some of the region’s challenges, such as infrastructure and capacity development, said the group’s chieftain.
Data, he believes, will drive and foster the projected collaboration because the NEW-G is already collaborating with investors and entrepreneurs to create incentives for individuals.
Like the previous speaker, Ali Baba exhorted stakeholders to move beyond working in silos and collaborate since inclusivity is critical to the movement’s success.
“Everybody must work together, and we hope that the academic institutions are part of this because this is not anybody’s agenda; the 19 states are equally part of this project,” he argued.
According to Kashifu Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), for any type of change to occur, there must first be a sense of urgency, which is exactly what the NEW-G has done by bringing various sectorial actors together and emphasising the importance of acting quickly to protect the northern ecosystem.
The NITDA boss stated that by creating a feeling of urgency, people will understand that there is an ecosystem in the north with potential issues that require answers.
“And people will start asking, how can we solve the problem and strengthen the ecosystem?” Abdullahi added to explain how stakeholder discussions and engagement can help open the door for the expected change.
The Amazon rainforest could approach a tipping point, which could lead to a large-scale collapse with serious implications for the global climate system.
The Amazon rainforest
A new Nature study by an international research team including scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact research (PIK) reveals that up to 47 percent of the Amazonian Forest is threatened and identifies climatic and land-use thresholds that should not be breached to keep the Amazon resilient.
“The Southeastern Amazon has already shifted from a carbon sink to a source – meaning that the current amount of human pressure is too high for the region to maintain its status as a rainforest over the long term. But the problem doesn’t stop there. Since rainforests enrich the air with a lot of moisture which forms the basis of precipitation in the west and south of the continent, losing forest in one place can lead to losing forest in another in a self-propelling feedback loop or simply ‘tipping’,” states PIK scientist, Boris Sakschewski,, one of the authors of the study.
Up to 47 percent of the Amazon rainforest threatened by droughts and fires
Recent stress from increased temperatures, droughts, deforestation, and fires even in central and remote parts is weakening the Amazon’s natural resilience mechanisms, pushing this system towards a critical threshold. The study finds that by the year 2050, 10-47 percent of the Amazonian forests will be threatened by increasing disturbances, risking crossing a tipping point.
Based on a large body of scientific results, the researchers identify five critical drivers connected to this tipping point: global warming, annual rainfall amounts, the intensity of rainfall seasonality, dry season length, and accumulated deforestation. For each of these drivers they suggest safe boundaries to keep the Amazon resilient.
“We found for example that for mean annual rainfall below 1000 mm per year, the Amazon rainforest cannot exist. However, below 1800 mm per year, abrupt transitions from rainforest to a Savanna-like vegetation become possible. This can be triggered by individual droughts or forest fires, which both have become more frequent and more severe in recent years,” states Da Nian, scientist at PIK and also author of the study.
The impact of forest loss does not stop at the borders of the Amazon. The moisture transported via Amazons´ so called “flying rivers” is a critical part of the South American Monsoon and hence essential for rainfall in vast parts of the continent. Moreover, the Amazon as a whole stores carbon equivalent to 15-20 years of current human CO2 emissions. Amazon forest loss therefore further drives global warming and intensifies the consequences.
“Greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation have to end”
The study also analyses examples of disturbed forests in various parts of the Amazon to understand what could happen to the ecosystem. In some cases, the forest may recover in the future, but remain trapped in a degraded state, dominated by opportunistic plants, such as lianas or bamboos.
In other cases, the forest does not recover anymore, and remains trapped in an open-canopy, flammable state. The expansion of open, flammable ecosystems throughout the core of the Amazon Forest is particularly concerning because they can spread fires to adjacent forests.
“To maintain the Amazon Forest within safe boundaries, local and global efforts must be combined. Deforestation and forest degradation have to end, and restoration has to expand. Moreover, much more needs to be done to stop greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide,” concludes co-author Niklas Boers, leader of the Future Lab ‘Artificial Intelligence in the Anthropocene’ at PIK and professor of Earth System Modelling at the Technical University of Munich.
The climate change induced risks affecting most of our hydrological systems have tremendous impact on all the hydrological and hydro metrological processes of our activities, energy production and all the rest. It is therefore important that we recognise the value of water as a major component of a sustainable development.
Participants at the capacity building workshop on Basin Adaptation Planning: Building Coordination, in Lagos
Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a climate change specialist, made this submission in his remarks while presenting a paper titled “Water Tracker and Connection to other processes in Nigeria” at a workshop on Basin Adaptation Planning: Building Coordination, held in Lagos from February 13 to 14, 2024.
Prof. Oladipo noted: “The water acts as a sort of connector which addresses the challenges in the sustainable development, connects us with climate change and also connects us with disaster risk reduction.”
While referring to the recent 2023 incident of flooding in Anambra State, the specialist stressed that flooding had become much more intense than before, not only because we are not managing the water resources well but because the stunts that are rising from flash floods are more intense than before.
He mentioned the atmospheric dynamics in the United States of America (USA) which shows the capacity and the ability of warm air due to global warming to absorb so much water that when it pours, it’s like a river coming from the air. He added that these are some of extreme events that makes us to say that we must have the water as a form of commitment that we need.
He said: “The Water Tracker helps in ensuring that water resilience is integrated into national climate plans by illuminating water which is both explicitly and implicitly included in those plans and planning processes.
“In the process of trying to make water as part of the element of implementation of Paris Agreement, the Water Tracker was initiated under the water workstream of the Adaptation Action Coalition with support from the government of the United Kingdom and the Dutch Ministry of Water Resources and Infrastructure.
“The Water Tracker Method is a simple questionnaire designed to draw out how and where water is embedded in climate planning instrument. Countries like Egypt, Malawi, Costa Rica and several others have successfully made use of it which have spurred interest from the Federal Government to see how it can help in our national development plans especially in relation to river basins in Nigeria.”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), who towed Prof. Oladipo’s line, said: “Nigeria like many other countries is experiencing the far-reaching consequences of climate change which are manifesting in various forms including rising temperature, changing rainfall, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather.”
Represented by Mrs. Chioma Edeh, Dr. Dahiru revealed: “These changes directly affects some of our river basins which affects ecosystems that provide water resources support, biodiversity and also sustain the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.
“Major rivers worldwide have experienced drastic changes in full producing their natural ability to adjust and absorb disturbances.
“Climate scientists predict that the shift will lead to more flooding since more rain will fall than vegetation can absorb.
“Potential consequences of neglecting these issues include but not limited to water scarcity, vulnerability disaster, ecosystem degradation and also conflict of other water resources.”
Mr. Segun Babarinde of Federal Ministry of Water Resources, who noted that economic value of water cannot be quantified, also stressed: “Except you lack the water and the water we are talking about, whether it is small, that is scarcity or it is too much, that is when it is flooding, it is a problem to human existence and as such we need to work hard in ensuring proper management of our nation’s water resources.
“The primary role of the ministry is to ensure adequate supply of potable water in a sustainable manner to the populace without compromising the economic value of the environment because water resources management without proper management and sustainability of the development as it relates to conservation of the environment is not really proper.
“However, the challenges we have is that we are having this issue of climate change coming in and as such we need to marry our sustainable value, our economic value and all other attributes of national development such that human existence could be sustainably managed,” he stated.
Dr. Samuel Adewoyin while speaking on “Future Engagement Activities of The Basin Development Authorities”, described Basin Adaptation Planning as the management and governance of water and water bodies such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquiver to ensure sustainable development.
He highlighted the need for Basin Adaptation Planning to include responding to climate change, direct input into production in areas such as agriculture, energy, and industry, among others.
Dr. Adejuwon also raised concerns on the rate at which water resources respond to climate change, even as he listed global warming, population pressure due to urban growth, water pollution, lack of data, poor management and policy implementation as some of the factors.
He said: “As River Basin Authorities, we are looking forward to embarking on increased awareness on climate change as it impacts on the basin development, comprehensive survey of the basin detailing rivers, soil characteristics and vegetation cover, development on policy instrument on river basins.
“Others are enforcement of the rules and regulations governing the use of river basins, implementation of policy developed, budget provision for policy implementation among others.
The capacity building workshop on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Water Basin Governance and Climate Change Response was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
It was graced by delegates such as David Hebart-Coleman, Senior Programme Manager, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI); Dr. Eugene Itua, Director Natural Eco-Capital; Kolawole Banwo, Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communications at WaterAid Nigeria; and several other participants from relevant Ministries Department and Agencies across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Delegates at a conference aimed at bringing community together for climate action are seeking for more local engagement in climate change advocacy.
Some of the participants at the Revamp Rave Network Coastal Community Conference in Lagos
Held at the instance of the Revamp Rave Network, an environmental protection organisation, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, the conference also sought to train five Lagos coastal communities on protection and preservation of oceans, aquatic and human lives to ensure sustainability.
The communities included Epe, Ikorodu, Agoro-Oyingbo, Mosafejo and Badagry.
Themed “Strengthening the Capacity of Coastal Communities in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation for more Ocean Governance”, the Coastal Rural Community Conference on Climate Change was graced by traditional rulers and artisans from the five communities and representatives of Lagos State Government and Federal Government from the Departments of Fisheries and the Environment.
The founder, Revamp Rave Network, Abimbola Abikoye, who said that the aim of the conference was to educate communities on issues concerning climate change and ocean conservation particularly exploring challenges of the fishing communities, called for more local engagement of rural dwellers in climate change advocacy.
While urging the government and corporate bodies to incorporate community insights into climate change policy-making processes across Africa, Abikoye emphasised the importance of leveraging local knowledge and perspectives in crafting effective climate change mitigation strategies.
She noted that community-driven approaches were essential for creating sustainable policies that resonate with the realities faced by residents in coastal regions.
Abikoye said the programme was also to unravel the hardships the stakeholders were facing, their adaptive capacities and their state of mind to be able to help government to reform policies to capture the needs of communities.
“There is a gap in our policies. Our policies are good, but they don’t often fit into the peculiarities of our situation. And so, climate change is one of the issues that are causing many ecological damages, outside that, they are making communities lose their livelihoods.
“So, this programme is to enhance their capacity, inform them, get to hear from them possible solutions or things they think that they can use to help themselves build more resilience,” she said.
She added that a lot could be achieved through collaboration with government by building capacity for coastal communities and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Dr Oluseyi Soremikun, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Abuja, who joined virtually, explained the dangers of plastic pollution to fish and the oceans.
He explored issues related to human actions responsible for fish scarcity, flooding, climate change.
He gave details of a research he carried out on Ogun River and discovered that resident misinterpreted flooding of the river with some superstitious beliefs.
He said that fish scarcity was not caused by anger of gods but by environmental infractions and if measures were not taken to check plastic pollution it will affect future generations.
He explained that scientific reasons should be used to back environmental challenges and not superstitious beliefs.
He called for dialogue and action by coastal communities towards protection of the ocean.
Omoragbon Wellington, Director, Department of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was represented by Hunyinbo Sewanu, a director in the ministry.
Sewanu, who delivered a lecture titled “Increasing Artisanal Fishers Knowledge in Adequate Fishing Regulations for More Climate and Ocean Action”, said the justice for the ocean and the environment was a collective responsibility.
“The ocean is crying, it is under pressure,” he said.
He said more than 75 per cent of the fishing community were women and government must be careful to provide alternatives when dislodging them.
He laid emphasis on fish life, ocean life and environment matters, stressing the need for collaboration towards protection, preservation and restoration of the environment.
He stressed the importance of small-scale fishing to include food security, resilience to climate change, economic contribution, biodiversity conservation.
“The demand for fish for and fishery products already put tremendous challenges on resources that are already strained to the limit.
“The participation of the people is necessary for the overall goal to establish integrated approach that will rehabilitate, enhance and sustain fishery resources indefinitely.
“We should be aware that overfishing, climate-change and pollution reduce the productive capacity of the fishery sector, and all tiers of government should partner with Revamp to address issues affecting artisans in the fishery sector,” he said.
A participant, Pastor Raphael Hezekiah from Oworonshoki-Mosafejo community, listed the challenges of his area to include displacement by government and sand dredging, water hyacinth, lack of market, inflation and oppression from fishing trawlers.
“This programme will assist us if governments at federal and state levels will unite and agree with the sponsor of this programme to help the local fishermen,” he said.
Another participant, Mrs Oluwakemi Ogidi from Bayeku in Ikorodu Local Government Area, said the training was able to help her learn clean methods of processing fish without causing air pollution.
While pesticides protect crops from hungry animals, pesky insects, or even microbial infections, they also impact other vital organisms, including bees and earthworms.
Earthworms exhibit signs of environmental toxicity when exposed to nonlethal doses of some pesticides
Research published on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in “ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters” reveals that worms are affected by the relatively small amounts of chemicals that can leach out of pesticide-treated seeds.
Exposure to nonlethal amounts of these insecticides and fungicides resulted in poor weight gain and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in the worms, says the report.
Pesticide treatment can be introduced at several different stages of a plant’s life, either by covering seeds before they’re sown or spraying already grown crops. Oftentimes, different chemicals are applied at the same time to maximise their efficiency.
Neonicotinoids, also known as neonics, are one common class of insecticides used today in the U.S. and other countries, though many of them are banned in the European Union. Recent research has shown that these insecticides and many fungicides persist in groundwater and soil, where earthworms may encounter them.
One method to monitor the health of the impacted worms is through changes to the organisms’ weight and mtDNA damage. Unlike DNA held in a cell’s nucleus, mtDNA can’t repair itself as well, and thus can help indicate less obvious, “off target” effects of a particular environmental toxin. Chensheng (Alex) Lu and colleagues wanted to use this approach to investigate how realistic amounts and combinations of neonics and difenoconazole (DIF) fungicide affected earthworms.
In laboratory experiments, the team exposed groups of juvenile earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to individual pesticides, and combinations of neonics and DIF, in concentrations that mimicked residues left behind by pesticide-treated seeds. After 30 days, the worms were weighed and their mtDNA damage was examined. While all the worms survived, the earthworms in single pesticide-treated soil gained 30 to 80% less weight during that period than a control group living in untreated soil.
Additionally, the worms exposed to one of the four tested neonicotinoids and DIF at the same time gained considerably less weight than those exposed to a single compound. Pesticide exposure also resulted in a significant increase in mtDNA damage. Because mitochondria generate most of the energy within cells, damage to their DNA could interrupt cellular functions and other metabolic processes.
The researchers say that these findings establish a link between neonics and fungicide mixtures that are likely present in the environment and earthworm health, which could inform the unexpected risks of using neonics in seed treatments.
The Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st Issues), Ms. Titilope Akosa, has been appointed as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Active Observer representing the Global South, a development that her organisation describes as “a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and expertise in advocating for civil society voices on the global stage”.
Titi Akosa
For the next two years, Ms. Akosa will co-lead civil society coordination within the active observer team, bringing her insightful perspective, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit to this crucial role.
Her appointment has been described as a testament to her “unwavering commitment to ensuring developing countries have a strong voice in shaping climate action and sustainable development efforts”.
“We are immensely proud of Ms. Akosa and her well-deserved selection,” said Jumoke Odediji, C21st Issues Programme Manager. “Her dedication to amplifying the voices of the Global South and her passion for climate justice have been instrumental in driving positive change. We have no doubt that she will make significant contributions during her term, ensuring developing countries are represented and heard at the decision-making tables.”
“I am honoured to be appointed as the GCF Alternate Active Observer for the Global South,” said Ms. Akosa. “This is a critical opportunity to ensure that the voices of developing countries are heard and their needs are met in the fight against climate change. I am committed to working collaboratively with civil society organisations around the world to advance a just and sustainable future for all.”
C21st Issues adds: “We join the global community in congratulating Ms. Akosa on her appointment and pledge our full support as she embarks on this important journey. We are confident that her leadership will make a significant difference in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
The destruction, degradation and fragmentation of natural habitat is one of the two greatest threats to migratory species of wild animals. On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, a major new initiative was launched at the UN wildlife meeting taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to ensure that areas of importance to migratory species are identified, protected and connected.
Delegates gather in the morning plenary to discuss various scientific assessments and reports
Known as the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC), the announcement took place on the margins of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Initiated by CMS, the partnership is joined by several organisations, including Centre for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), Climate Chance, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD), the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Belgium, France, Monaco, and Uzbekistan are among the CMS Parties participating in the new initiative.
“The launch of this new global partnership is a direct and immediate response to some of the key recommendations of the flagship CMS report, the State of the World’s Migratory Species, released just two days ago at the opening of COP14. The report calls for increased actions to identify, protect, connect and effectively manage important sites for migratory species. This is exactly what this alliance is about, as it will ensure that actions to address ecological connectivity are mobilized around the world,” said Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary.
The GPEC’s overarching objective is to ensure that ecological connectivity is maintained, enhanced, and restored in places of importance for migratory species of wild animals. Migratory species depend on a network of specific types of sites and habitats during their life cycles and seasonal movements. While many such sites have been identified, not all are under any form of protection or conservation.
Moreover, many sites of importance have yet to be identified and mapped. Migratory species must be able to reach these sites, often located across national boundaries and there are many impediments to their migrations, including from linear infrastructure such as roads, rail and fences, as well as from other types of human activities.
But ecological connectivity is not just relevant to migratory species. It also plays a major role in addressing effective biodiversity conservation, land restoration and climate change mitigation and adaptation across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
Defined under CMS as “the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth”, ecological connectivity is increasingly recognized as a key global conservation priority. It was at the heart of the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted in 2021, “Nature knows no borders: transboundary cooperation – a key factor for biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use” (A/75/L.73).
Led by countries of Central Asia, where the CMS COP14 is being held, the Resolution urges all UN Member States to enhance international and transboundary cooperation to maintain and enhance ecological connectivity of transboundary habitats, cross-border protected areas, and ecosystems that are either vulnerable or part of the migratory range of specific species.
“Nature does not recognise man-made boundaries. Uzbekistan is acutely aware of this fact, as evidenced by the devastating effects of the Aral Sea’s depletion on humans and wildlife across Central Asia and beyond. By contributing to the CMS Global Ecological Connectivity program, Uzbekistan is participating in a worldwide effort to protect migratory species. This collaboration underscores Uzbekistan’s belief in the power of nature to unite nations, necessitating a collective effort to protect it,” said Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan and Host of COP14.
The importance of ecological connectivity is a major aspect of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) as well, reflected in Goal A on ecosystems, species and genetic diversity, and Targets 2 on restoration, 3 on area-based conservation measures, and 12 on enhancing green spaces and urban planning. This new partnership will contribute directly to the implementation of these and other aspects of the GBF.
The partnership will focus on four key areas of work:
Data Research and Monitoring: Prioritising the integration and analysis of scientific data to inform conservation measures, while addressing significant data gaps in habitat identification and threat assessment.
Policy and Legislation: Supporting evidence-based decision-making to enhance policies and laws that foster ecological connectivity, integrating it into global targets and national priorities.
Uptake and Implementation: Encouraging the application of connectivity conservation strategies through tangible projects and initiatives, aiming to establish well-connected protected areas and effective area-based conservation measures.
Awareness Raising and Outreach: Increasing public understanding and support for ecological connectivity through campaigns, communication materials, and collaborative events/
It will also seek to mobilise funding to support implementation of priority actions.
Madhu Rao, Chair, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, said: “Connectivity is a core element of scaling conservation action to achieve ambitious global biodiversity and climate goals. The GPEC is an extremely timely initiative, and will catalyse action toward connected systems of protected and conserved areas globally.”
Gary Tabor, CEO, Centre for Large Landscape Conservation: “Ecological connectivity has gained greater prominence over the years thanks to collaboration among countless dedicated individuals. This Global Partnership now brings together institutions and their collective abilities to scale up connectivity solutions to safeguard nature in a dynamic world.”
Rafael Antelo, Wildlife Connect Leader and PACHA Coordinator, WWF: “At WWF we are convinced that achieving ecological connectivity is the challenge of our time. However, no one entity can achieve connectivity alone. This partnership is a significant leap forward in our collective ability to deliver connectivity impact at scale, and WWF is delighted to be involved. Together it is possible.”
David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary, CBD: “The CBD Secretariat welcomes the establishment of this partnership. Maintaining and restoring the integrity and connectivity of ecosystems is essential for the recovery of species and the provision of ecosystem services. By bringing together practioners and experts, the partnership will support countries in achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.”
Ingrid Coetzee, Director: Biodiversity, Nature & Health, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability: “For ICLEI, being part of the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity paves the way for a sustainable future, strengthening local action for migratory species, and opening doors for new collaboration opportunities in support of protecting migratory species.”
Frances Davis, Connectivity Conservation Lead, UNEP-WCMC: “UNEP-WCMC welcomes this important new initiative on ecological connectivity. We look forward to working in partnership with experts around the world to bring together policy-relevant data and transforming this data into action. This will provide a much-needed boost to global efforts to protect migratory species, connect their habitats and restore functioning ecosystems.”
Senator Ronan Dantec, President, Climate Chance Association: “We cannot preserve Africa’s great fauna without enhancing connectivity, and we cannot preserve corridors without resolutely acting to benefit local communities’ development.”
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary, UNCCD: “Migratory species play a crucial role in the health of our land. For this, they need a well-connected mosaic of conserved areas and corridors to roam freely. Restoring connectivity both within and between protected areas is seen as a priority worldwide to increase their effectiveness in combatting biodiversity loss and climate change. The new partnership helps us create a better system that sustains not only wildlife but also landscapes and livelihoods that depend on them.”
Jean-Philippe Siblet (MNHN) and Florent Merle (French Biodiversity Agency): “Protected areas cannot play their full role in protecting animal species unless they are interconnected. These ecological connections play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, and are essential for enabling the flow of genes, reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and the movement of species. The establishment and protection of ecological continuity, particularly within migration corridors, is therefore absolutely essential.”
The Government of Belgium: “Belgium is delighted to extend its support to the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity. Leveraging a robust network of stakeholders and partners, this initiative promises to strengthen our commitments within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. By harmonising endeavours across different scales and harnessing the latest scientific insights to inform policy measures, the partnership holds immense potential. Particularly in a densely urbanised country like Belgium, such an alliance presents invaluable opportunities to inspire actions on the ground.”
African NGO leaders predict the ban on dental amalgam in Europe will the forerunner for their continent.
Dr. Gilbert Kuepouo, African Centre for Environmental Health, Yaoundé
“Africa can be next for mercury-free dentistry,” claims Dr. Gilbert Kuepouo of the African Centre for Environmental Health.
Dr. Kuepouo, who leads Centre de Recherche et d’Education pour le Développement (CREPD) in Yaoundé, overviewed the map: “Already, we see these success stories in each of the five regions of our great continent: in Central Africa, Gabon is amalgam-free. In East African, Tanzania has an end date by law for amalgam use. In North Africa, Tunisia ended amalgam for children and, too, in the south, children no longer receive dental amalgam in Mauritius and Zambia.
“Nigeria is poised to act in 2024,” said Tom Aneni of Sustainable Environment Development Initiative, Edo State. “Africa’s population giant has reached consensus from all major stakeholders that amalgam use must end. Consumers and NGOs from across Nigeria’s regions are clamouring for action.”
“The momentum for mercury-free dentistry in Francophone Africa is exciting,” said Maimouna Diéne of Pesticide Action Network Africa in Dakar. “We NGOs did a regional workshop last year in Togo, and now we work synergistically across West and Central Africa. Senegal is the model state in African for the WHO amalgam project – we will show the world that Senegal is ready to phase out amalgam on a timetable.”
Charlie Brown, President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, praised the “leapfrog strategy” of Africans.
“The dental mercury lobby in Geneva cannot block Africa’s direct leap to mercury-free dentistry. Africa won’t make the mistake that Europe and America did of doing universal mercury fillings first,” he said.
In recognition of their unique place in the world and the challenges they face, World Hippo Day is celebrated every February 15 with the aim to raise awareness about the conservation needs of these magnificent animals. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect them and their habitats, ensuring their survival for generations to come. In this article, Assaf Levy ofBioDBexplores the characteristics of hippos, their population and conservation status, their importance in nature, and the efforts being made to conserve them
Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus, often simply referred to as a hippo, is a creature that fascinates and delights those who are fortunate enough to witness it in its natural habitat. These semi-aquatic mammals, known for their massive bodies, wide-open mouths, and almost serene existence in the waters of sub-Saharan Africa, are not just wonders of nature’s design but also vital components of their ecosystems.
Hippos are the third-largest living land mammals after elephants and white rhinos. An adult male can weigh up to 3,200 kilogrammes (about 7,000 pounds), with females slightly smaller. Despite their bulk, hippos are surprisingly graceful in the water, where they spend most of their time.
Their specific gravity allows them to sink and walk or run along the bottom of rivers and lakes. Hippos are well adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, with eyes, ears, and nostrils located high on their heads, enabling them to breathe and look around while mostly submerged. Their large mouths, which can open up to 180 degrees, reveal large canines and incisors used primarily for defense.
A unique feature of hippos is their thick, hairless skin, which secretes a natural sunscreen, often referred to as “blood sweat,” to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays. This oily red secretion is not only a sunblock but also has antiseptic properties, helping to keep wounds clean and free from infection. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in the hot, sunny environments they inhabit.
Hippos are highly social animals, living in groups known as pods, bloats, or schools, which can consist of anywhere from 10 to 30 individuals, though larger groups of up to 100 hippos are not uncommon. These groups are typically made up of females with their young and a few non-breeding males, with a dominant male leading the group. The dominant male has exclusive breeding rights within the group, and his authority is established and maintained through displays of strength and aggression.
Additionally, hippos spend a significant amount of time in the water, where their social interactions occur. They communicate through grunts, bellows, and wheezes, a form of vocalization that plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the group. Despite their peaceful appearance, hippos can be quite aggressive, especially if they feel threatened. This aggression is most commonly observed between males fighting over territory or breeding rights.
Population Status
The hippopotamus is native to sub-Saharan Africa, dwelling in rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Despite their broad distribution, hippos face numerous threats that have led to declining numbers. Habitat loss due to agriculture, human settlement, and industry is a significant factor. Additionally, hippos are poached for their meat and ivory (found in their teeth), further impacting their populations.
Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the hippo as Vulnerable, with estimates suggesting there are between 115,000 and 130,000 individuals left in the wild. This classification underscores the pressing need for effective conservation measures to prevent their slide toward endangerment.
Acknowledging the critical role hippos play in their ecosystems and the various challenges threatening their existence, a collaborative effort among conservationists, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has led to the launch of numerous initiatives aimed at safeguarding these splendid animals.
Among these efforts is the notable “Save the Hippos” campaign, which also marked the inception of World Hippo Day in 2016. This campaign, along with others, highlights the concerted actions taken to ensure the protection and preservation of hippos across their natural habitats.
Anti-poaching measures, such as increased patrolling of protected areas and the implementation of stricter laws against poaching and ivory trade, are critical components of these efforts. Additionally, habitat restoration projects seek to reclaim and protect natural habitats for hippos and other wildlife. Community-based conservation is another vital strategy, involving local communities in conservation efforts and providing them with sustainable alternatives to hunting and habitat encroachment. International cooperation is also essential, as the conservation of hippos requires cross-border efforts due to their habitat spanning multiple countries.
Conservationists are also employing innovative technologies to monitor hippo populations and their habitats. Satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and GPS tracking are tools that help gather data on hippo numbers, movements, and health, which is crucial for making informed conservation decisions.
The Way Forward
The survival of the hippopotamus is intricately linked to the health of Africa’s freshwater ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. As such, the conservation of hippos is not just about saving an iconic species; it’s about preserving the balance of ecosystems and the well-being of human populations as well.
The challenges are significant, but with continued effort, awareness, and international support, the future for hippos can be bright. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of collective action aimed at protecting our planet’s remarkable biodiversity.
In conclusion, the hippopotamus, with its unique physical characteristics, significant ecological role, and the challenges it faces, is a symbol of the broader issues of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. By understanding more about these gentle giants, we can appreciate their place in the natural world and the importance of efforts to ensure their survival.
Let’s hope that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel at these incredible animals, not just in pictures or documentaries, but thriving in their natural habitats, a lasting legacy of our commitment to conservation.
Demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to combat wildlife crime, three suspected wildlife traffickers were apprehended in Nigeria on February 4. 2024, with a fourth arrest made on February 6, 2024.
Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission
The operation was a joint intelligence-led investigation by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission, targeting illicit wildlife supplier networks. During the operation, the NCS seized five pieces of ivory tusks, totalling 25 kg in weight and valued at approximately $16,000.
“The Wildlife Justice Commission would like to congratulate the Nigerian authorities for their persistent dedication to tackling transnational wildlife crime. The positive results that we continue to witness on the ground assist the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission in constructing a comprehensive intelligence picture of the supply networks operating between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, which will enable us to target the criminal networks profiting from the trafficking of our wildlife beyond Nigeria,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.
Since July 2021, the ongoing partnership between the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission has resulted in the arrest of 27 suspects and the seizure of almost 10 tonnes of pangolin scales and over 1 tonne of ivory. The collaboration has enabled the disruption of criminal networks trafficking ivory and pangolin scales in Nigeria, with trafficking reaching its lowest level in five years. It has also led to the displacement of ivory and pangolin scales trafficking from Nigeria to other countries.
The Wildlife Justice Commission says it is committed to continue supporting the NCS to further disrupt the trafficking of wildlife from Nigeria.
