Group plants 285,000 trees, forms alliance to tackle climate change

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has planted over 285,000 trees across the country, as part of its initiative to recover and restore Nigeria’s forest cover from the current 7 per cent to 25 per cent by 2047.

President, NCF Board of Trustees, Izoma Philip Asiodu, made this known during its yearly general meeting in Lagos. The group is working with many international and local donors including corporate partners to implement projects under the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) programme. The 30-year ambitious programme started in 2017.

“Over the past year, despite the numerous challenges posed by global uncertainties, we have made significant strides in advancing our mission that focuses on the conservation of species, ecosystems, and genetic biodiversity to help build a Nigeria where people prosper while living in harmony with nature,” he said.

To properly galvanise efforts towards tackling the climate change crisis, Asiodu disclosed that NCF inaugurated the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA) last year, through support from Ford Foundation, adding “Through this alliance, we now have passionate civic society organisations who are promoting one agenda or the other in tackling the impact of climate change.

“As we know, solving environmental problems requires robust action and response at the local and global levels because conservation issues transcend borders,” he said.

He also revealed that several conservation projects were implemented under the Saving Species in Peril Pillar. According to him, the projects include the preservation of endangered animals, birds, and plant species. The projects focused on the conservation of species like the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, wild cats like lion and leopard, sea turtles, African forest elephants, and vultures.

The Chairman, NCF National Executive Council, Hon Justice (Mrs) R.I.B Adebiyi, said their future priorities in the coming years include, expanding conservation programmes to cover more critical habitats and species, and ensuring comprehensive protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity.

It also involves strengthening advocacy efforts to influence environmental policies and ensure stronger legal frameworks for conservation, as well as promoting sustainable practices that balance ecological preservation with economic growth, ensuring that conservation benefits all Nigerians.

She advised members to continue their invaluable support. “Our collective efforts are crucial in driving forward our mission. Let us recommit ourselves to the vision of NCF and work together to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for Nigeria and the World,” Adebiyi added.

NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, acknowledged that challenges such as donor fatigue, change of the leadership of MDAs necessitated by the advent of the new government in Nigeria, limited cooperation from some state governments, illegal logging, habitat encroachment, and climate change continue to pose significant threats to conservation efforts.

Onoja pledged to expand programmes for more impact and visibility. “We are getting into more states and communities to cover more critical habitats and species, ensuring comprehensive protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity.

“We are consistently building and enhancing partnerships with government agencies, private sector entities, and international organisations to amplify our impact. We have entered strategic partnerships and collaborations to increase our reach and impact,” he said.