Abeokuta: The UNESCO, in Abeokuta, has committed to continued support for Ogun State Government on biodiversity businesses for sustainable livelihoods and conservation of the state’s biosphere reserve.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office, UNESCO, Abuja and Representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi. Abiaga said the visit was to brief the state government on UNESCO’s ongoing project in the state and to express appreciation for the support received as well as strengthen collaboration between Ogun and UNESCO.
He noted that UNESCO had received one million dollars from India-UN Partnership Fund to implement the Biodiversity Business Project in three sites across Nigeria. The sites included Oban Biosphere Reserve in Cross River State, Omo Biosphere Reserve in Ogun State, and Shere Hills Forest Reserve in Plateau State.
Abiaga explained that the project aims to support youth, women, and local communities in developing biodiversity-related businesses. Ten communities in Omo Biosphere Reserve have been selected for training in piggery and fish farming biodiversity businesses, with the goal of creating alternative income sources while protecting the environment.
The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s global priority of creating a balance between biodiversity protection and sustainable livelihoods. Abiaga emphasized that the project combines environmental protection with income generation, supporting the UN target of protecting 30 percent of global biodiversity on land and sea. He expressed hope that the project would be scaled up and that collaboration with the government and private sector partners would continue.
Mr Tokunbo Talabi, SSG, described biodiversity conservation as a crucial path for sustainable development and mentioned the consideration of setting up a task force to protect the green life of the Omo Biosphere Reserve. He highlighted the importance of enabling people to live off the land responsibly and acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the area.
Talabi commended UNESCO for its support of local communities and urged for the project’s expansion to reach more areas in the state. He highlighted the potential of such programs to reduce rural-urban migration and expressed openness to partnerships that bring value to the state’s environmental conservation efforts.
Mr Oludotun Taiwo, the Commissioner for Forestry, stated that the program aligns with the Ogun State Government’s agenda for forest conservation and poverty alleviation. He emphasized that the initiative would help divert attention from indiscriminate tree felling, reduce carbon emissions, and create new livelihoods.
The visit was marked by the presentation of UNESCO Science Report and other souvenirs to the SSG.