Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives in Nigeria: National, Indigenous, and Private Efforts

 Group Discussion

Led and Presented by Dalong Hassan Ishaku

Nigeria is rich in biodiversity, hosting diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, mangroves, savannahs, and wetlands. Conservation efforts occur at national, state, local government (e.g., Qua’an Pan LGA), and community levels, with protected areas like Pandam Game Reserve playing a key role. Below is a structured outline with examples.

1. National (Federal Government) Initiatives

The Nigerian government implements policies, laws, and protected area management for biodiversity conservation.

Examples:

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to protect endangered species (e.g., Cross River gorilla, African elephant) and restore degraded lands.Wildlife Protection Laws

 

Endangered Species (Control of International Trade & Traffic) Act (2016) – Bans illegal wildlife trade

 

National Park Service Act – Manages Nigeria’s 8 national parks, including Gashaka Gumti and Old Oyo National Park

 

Afforestation & Climate Initiatives

Great Green Wall Programme – Combats desertification in Northern Nigeria (e.g., Kano, Bauchi, and Plateau States).

National Forest Policy – Promotes sustainable forest management.

2. State-Level Conservation Efforts

Different Nigerian states have unique biodiversity hotspots and conservation programs.

Examples:

a. Plateau State (Including Qua’an Pan LGA & Pandam Game Reserve)

Pandam Game Reserve

A state-protected area covering 224 km² in Qua’an Pan LGA, home to hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and migratory birds.

Threats: Encroachment, illegal fishing, and weak enforcement.

Conservation Efforts:

Plateau State Government occasionally deploys rangers for patrols.

NGO partnerships (e.g., Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS) for species monitoring

b. Cross River State

Cross River National Park – Protects rainforest biodiversity (e.g., Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee).

Community Forest Management (e.g., Ekuri Initiative)

c. Lagos State

Lekki Conservation Centre (Managed by Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF) – Protects wetlands and wildlife

3. Indigenous & Community-Led Conservation

Local communities, especially in rural areas, use traditional knowledge for conservation.

Examples in Qua’an Pan & Pandam:

Traditional Hunting Bans – Some communities impose seasonal bans to protect wildlife.

Sacred Sites – Certain forests or water bodies are preserved for cultural reasons.

Community Patrols – Local volunteers sometimes monitor Pandam Lake against illegal fishing.

Other Indigenous Examples:

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (Osun State) – A UNESCO site preserved by the Yoruba people.

Afi Mountain (Cross River) – Local communities protect drill monkeys.

4. Private Sector & NGO-Led Initiatives

Private organizations and NGOs support conservation through funding, research, and advocacy.

Examples in Plateau State & Pandam:

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Conducts biodiversity surveys in Pandam.

Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) – Advocates for better protection of Pandam.

Ecotourism Ventures – Some private lodges near Pandam promote wildlife tourism.

Other Private Efforts in Nigeria:

Shell’s Niger Delta Mangrove Restoration – Replants degraded mangroves.

Dangote Afforestation Projects – Tree planting in Northern Nigeria.

Conclusion & Challenges in Pandam Game Reserve

Strengths: Rich biodiversity, community involvement, NGO interest.

Weaknesses: Poor funding, weak enforcement, encroachment.

Recommendations:

Increased government funding for rangers and equipment

Eco-tourism development to generate conservation revenue

Stronger community partnerships for sustainable hunting/fishing rules