The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigeria’s leading conservationist, says it has undertaken large-scale afforestation, planting 285,000 trees across the country to actively promote green restoration. Ta.
The tree-planting project is being undertaken under the Foundation’s Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) program and is integrated into the five-year Strategic Action Plan (SAP) commencing 2021.
The GRN program, which the foundation implements in collaboration with a number of international and local donors, including corporate partners, was launched in 2017, according to the foundation’s president, Philip Asiodu.
Speaking at the Foundation’s 35th Annual General Meeting held recently in Lekki, Lagos, Asiodu said, “GRN aims to restore and restore Nigeria’s forest area from the current 7 percent to 25 percent by 2047. “This is an ambitious 30-year program.” ”
“We are consistently moving towards achieving this goal. Last year, with the support of our partners, we planted more than 285,000 trees across the country,” he revealed. , added that several conservation projects have been implemented under the pillar of conservation of endangered species.
RIB Adebiyi, Chairman of the National Executive Council, said that in addition to planting 285,000 trees under the GRN programme, the Foundation has also rehabilitated degraded landscapes and strengthened ecosystems through various afforestation and habitat restoration projects. He emphasized that it promoted resilience.
Under the Habitat Restoration Program, the Chairman disclosed that the Foundation continues to manage several forest reserves, including the Lekki Conservation Center, which covers 78 hectares. Bechebe Nature Reserve, 120 hectares. Omo Forest Reserve, 65,000 hectares. Finima Natural Park, 1000 hectares. Hadejia Nguu Wetland Reserve, 350,000 hectares.
In wildlife conservation, she said efforts to conserve endangered species are showing promising results, with the establishment of a vulture safe zone in south-eastern Nigeria, where the relative survival of the endangered hood culture has been confirmed. It was revealed that possible populations still exist.
The Chairman announced that the financial health of the Foundation is good as the Foundation has always ensured that every naira is used effectively towards achieving its conservation objectives. “Our fundraising efforts have been successful and donations and grants have increased, reflecting growing trust and confidence in our work,” she said.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Joseph Onoja, gave a report on the Foundation’s activities during the year, noting that 2023 is a great year for NCF as it is the third year of the Strategic Action Plan (SAP). However, he pointed out that there are some challenges.
“With SAP’s guidance, we have become more focused and innovative, implementing impactful programs and projects on environmental sustainability and conservation, despite the challenges that have characterized this year globally. Despite this, we have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. We have made significant progress in our mission to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity and promote sustainable development.” said.
Like any human society, the NCF is not without its own challenges, and according to the DG, while celebrating some success stories, the NCF loses sight of the challenges faced during the year under review. It is said that there is no such thing as not recognizing it. .
“Issues such as donor fatigue, changes in leadership in the Ministries and Agencies (MDAs) necessitated by the new government in Nigeria, limited cooperation from some state governments, illegal logging, habitat encroachment, and climate change continue. “This poses a serious threat to our conservation efforts,” he said.
However, he added that these challenges have also provided valuable lessons, reinforcing the importance of resilience, innovation and collaboration.
Onoja revealed that the foundation will now focus on expanding programs to increase impact, strengthening partnerships, training and capacity building, and promoting sustainability.
He explained that the main focus is to expand the program for greater impact and awareness, reaching more states and communities to cover more important habitats and species, and It added that it is ensuring comprehensive protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity.
