Zambia: Prof. Zacharia Yaduma, Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), has announced that Nigeria is enhancing its policy and legal frameworks to ensure the sustainability of biosphere reserves and bolster ecological research. This declaration was made during the presentation of Nigeria’s National Report on the implementation of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme at the ongoing 8th AfriMAB General Assembly in Zambia.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, biosphere reserves serve as sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems. This includes conflict prevention and biodiversity management. The 8th AfriMAB General Assembly is being hosted by the Government of Zambia in collaboration with UNESCO, from March 9 to March 13.
A statement released in Ibadan by Idara Udoh, Media Aide to the Director-General of FRIN, highlighted Yaduma’s remarks on Nigeria’s significant achievements in biodiversity conservation. The event, themed ‘Harnessing Africa’s Natural Resources Through Ecosystem-Friendly Technologies’, aims to explore innovative approaches to sustainable resource use, particularly focusing on mining and quarrying activities.
Yaduma detailed Nigeria’s accomplishments, which include ecological restoration of degraded areas in the Omo and Oban Biosphere Reserves and the launch of biodiversity business initiatives in Omo, Oban, and Shere Hills Reserves. He noted that 4,700 individuals have been trained in green economy and biodiversity business concepts, and biodiversity businesses have been established in the mentioned reserves. Shere Hills has also been designated as a Biosphere Reserve, aligning efforts with the Lima and Hangzhou Strategic Actions Plans.
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, emphasized the necessity for innovative strategies that support sustainable land use and ecosystem conservation, especially given Africa’s rapidly growing population. Represented by Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, Mutati called for the responsible use of natural resources and the adoption of ecosystem-friendly technologies.
The outgoing AfriMAB Bureau Chair, Telesphore Ngonga of Rwanda, praised the Zambian Government and the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO for organizing the Assembly. Ngonga noted the expansion of the AfriMAB network’s initiatives since the last General Assembly in Rwanda, highlighting efforts like the Great Green Wall in the Sahel region and mangrove rehabilitation in West Africa.
Ms. Moira Ng’uni, Senior Programme Officer for Communications at the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible natural resource governance, with various initiatives under UNESCO partnerships.
The Nigerian delegation also includes the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa-Goni; Prof. Tayo Oyelowo, Desk Officer, MAB Secretariat, FRIN; Mr. Bello Nuhu, National Park Service; and Ms. Ofure Blessed Aikhakhomon from the UNESCO Abuja Office.