Climate Change: Nigeria, Oxfam Seek Nature-based Solutions, Biodiversity Funding

Federal government and Oxfam have underscored the need for nature-based solutions (NBS) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

During the 2024 World Environment Day celebration in Abuja, themed “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Our land, our future, we are generation restoration,” the minister of state for environment, Dr Isiaq Adekunle Salako, highlighted Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and its critical role in the Global South.

Salako urged wealthy nations to fulfil their pledge of $20 billion annually in biodiversity finance by 2025, increasing to $30 billion by 2030. He emphasised that investing in nature conserves ecosystems and biodiversity and stimulates economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience.

“NBS represents a return to living harmoniously with nature,” Dr Salako remarked, commending the plan for wealthy countries to provide financial support to developing nations, which harbour most of the world’s biodiversity but lack conservation resources.

The minister noted that the Global South, including Nigeria, is home to 85% of the world’s population and most of its biodiversity. He advocated for cooperation between the resource-rich Global North and the biodiversity-rich Global South to mitigate climate change impacts.

Dr Salako highlighted Nigeria’s diverse ecosystems, from savannas to rainforests, and the economic value of preserving this biodiversity, estimated at over $8 billion annually. He called for Nigeria to promote NBS and secure global nature financing.

Kenneth Akpan, representing Oxfam Nigeria, discussed the organisation’s efforts through the African Activist for Climate Justice (AACJ) project. Oxfam in Nigeria addresses poverty and amplifies the voices of vulnerable communities, aligning with the federal government’s climate justice and sustainability agenda.

He explained that the Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors initiative aims to leverage the energy of young Nigerians to address climate challenges and support the government’s efforts locally and globally.

“The Ministers Cup quiz competition aims to spark interest and understanding of environmental issues among school children. This annual event will educate the younger generation on climate change and environmental conservation, motivating them to contribute to a sustainable future. It also aims to establish ecological clubs in all Nigerian schools, fostering a climate-conscious generation.

“The cooperation between these initiatives highlights a comprehensive approach to climate education and advocacy, with young ambassadors playing a pivotal role in spreading awareness and implementing environmental policies,” Akpan said.