Africa more vulnerable to species loss, climate change

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the African continent is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than any other continent.

Salako said this on Thursday in Abuja at the validation workshop on the early action support project to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodervisty Framework.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties following a four-year consultation and negotiation process.

The framework supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds on the convention’s previous Strategic Plans, and sets out a pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

Eight months ago, the Federal Government kick-started the process with the inception workshop for the Early Action Support Project.

Salako, who approved the validated National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators for the Nigeria National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, restated the FG’s commitment to protect species threatened by over-exploitation, expand and strengthen protected areas.

The validated National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators for the Nigeria National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a policy instrument to mainstream its elements with broader strategies and plans, such as national sustainable development plans, national development plans, poverty reduction strategies, and other relevant national sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, in line with national priorities.

Salako said, “It is clear that we must use all of the tools at our disposal to reduce the threats to biodiversity, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is guiding our way. The African continent is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than others. African environments and resources, including that of our country, have been hit hard by decades and centuries of exploitation mostly perpetrated by other countries, especially in the global north. And now our environments, our wildlife, our lands, and our peoples are most at risk.

“But Nigeria and the rest of African nations are leading the way to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Because Africa will be the most affected by the biodiversity and climate crisis, we are united in being the most ambitious in protecting our lands, our seas, our wildlife, and our people. This is our role today, as trustees of the Nigerian people, to shine the beacon of hope for the natural world. Let ambition guide you as you validate the goals, targets, and indicators that will guide Nigeria’s response to the biodiversity crisis.

“National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is the policy instrument for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. To accelerate action towards achieving the vision for biodiversity and living in harmony with nature by 2050, NBSAP must be rapidly aligned and validated with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”

The minister noted that the KMGBF must be translated into bold action as national goals, targets, and measures must match the urgency of the crisis.

“Let us unite to ensure that our call for ambition for the expansion of protected areas is matched with equal ambition on finance, on halting human-induced extinction of wild species, on mutual accountability to halt forest loss and degradation, on securing species recovery and the restoration of jeopardized ecosystems,” he added.

The Country Representative at the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Koffy Kouame, lauded Nigeria’s dedication to integrating agrifood systems into its national strategies.

Kouame, who was represented by FAO’s Climate Change Specialist, Nifesimi Ogunkua, pledged support to the implementation and evaluation of the NBSAPs.

“At FAO, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in this endeavour. Our commitment extends beyond mere words, as we pledge our full support to the implementation and evaluation of the NBSAPs. We recognise the importance of a holistic approach and are ready to work closely with Nigeria to achieve these goals.

“To facilitate this process, FAO has developed an impressive array of tools, frameworks, and approaches specifically designed to support the realisation of the Global 2030 targets. We believe that by leveraging these tools, Nigeria will significantly achieve its KMGBF national targets.

“FAO is open to collaborating with other partners in Nigeria. We understand the importance of collective action, and our doors are open. We are ready to work hand in hand with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful Implementation of the NBSAPs,” he stated