Institute of Procurement, Environment and Social Standards

 Environmental Track “A” Training for Cohort 6, Held at the University of Jos from 14th April 2025 – 8th May 2025 

Outcome of Group Discussion

Discussion is led and presented by Dr Joel Daboer 

Topic:

A certain project is to be cited in the south (Oyo State) and another in the north (Yobe State). You have been invited to be a sub-consultant as a biodiversity/ecology expert in the initial EA study.

i.                    What would be your focus in addressing biodiversity issues to ensure the role of biodiversity is preserved in Oyo State. List, with examples, ten important roles of biodiversity that may constitute challenges, to enable the project to receive regulatory approval.

ii.                  Biodiversity conservation refers to protection, upliftment and management of biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations. What are those conservation strategies that need to be put in place in order to realize/confirm the above statement in Yobe State project site? As an expert, what would be your advice to the project proponent as it might impact on migratory routes?

1. Introduction

Define biodiversity: Variety of life at all levels (genes, species, ecosystems…)

Importance: Biodiversity underpins food security, health, and economy in Oyo State.

2. Existing Biodiversity Conditions (Baseline Study)

Description of ecosystems:

Forests (e.g., parts of Old Oyo National Park)

Rivers and wetlands (Ogun, Osun River basins)

Agricultural landscapes (cocoa plantations, mixed cropping areas)

Key Species:

Mammals: African civet, duiker antelope.

Birds: Ibadan Malimbe (endemic).

Flora: Mahogany trees, wild yams.

Conservation Status:

Identification of endangered, vulnerable, or protected species

3. 10 Important Roles of Biodiversity and Potential Project Challenges

(a) Habitat for Wildlife

Challenge: Land clearing destroys critical habitats.

Example: Displacement of Ibadan Malimbe breeding areas.

(b) Pollination Services

Challenge: Pesticide uses, or habitat loss kills pollinators.

Example: Reduced cocoa yield if bee populations drop.

(c) Water Regulation

Challenge: Deforestation alters river flows.

Example: Drying of Ogun River tributaries in dry season.

(d) Soil Fertility Maintenance

Challenge: Removing vegetation depletes soils.

Example: Loss of forest humus layers critical for farming.

(e) Carbon Sequestration

Challenge: Deforestation emits CO₂.

Example: Localized heating and drought risk increase.

(f) Cultural and Spiritual Values

Challenge: Sacred groves disturbed.

Example: Conflict with communities worshipping in sacred forests.

(g) Medicinal Resources

Challenge: Loss of plants used in traditional medicine.

Example: Disappearance of bitter kola trees affecting local healers.

(h) Erosion Control

Challenge: Hillsides become unstable.

Example: Increased gully formation in rural communities.

(i) Climate Regulation

Challenge: Less rainfall, hotter microclimates.

Example: Negative impacts on yam and maize production.

(j) Genetic Diversity for Agriculture

Challenge: Loss of wild crop relatives.

Example: Future breeding programs for drought-resistant yams suffer.

4. Impact Assessment Methodology

Field surveys.

Remote sensing and GIS mapping

Stakeholder consultations (local farmers, forest users)

5. Potential Impacts of the Project on Biodiversity

Direct (e.g., clearing forests).

Indirect (e.g., encouraging settlement expansion)

6. Mitigation Measures

Avoidance: Adjust project layout to protect sensitive areas.

Minimization: Seasonal construction to avoid breeding periods.

Restoration: Replant native trees after construction.

Compensation: Biodiversity offsets if unavoidable damage occurs.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Periodic biodiversity surveys.

Community monitoring programs

8. Conclusion

If biodiversity is preserved, it enhances long-term sustainability of the project.

Proactive conservation measures help gain regulatory approval and community support.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies for Yobe State: Ensuring Sustainability and Migratory Corridor Integrity

Thematic Area 1: Understanding Biodiversity and Its Value in Yobe State      

Biodiversity refers to the rich variety of life forms—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—that exist within a given area. In Yobe State, biodiversity encompasses species adapted to dry, savanna, and riverine ecosystems. These areas are home to both resident species and migratory species that use the wetlands and water bodies within the region.

Significant Biodiversity Sites in Yobe State:

1. Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands (Partly in Yobe):

A critical Ramsar site recognized globally for its importance to migratory birds.

Supports over 377 bird species including species like crowned cranes, whistling ducks, and spur-winged geese

Serves as a seasonal feeding ground for Palearctic migratory birds

2. Nguru Lake:

Vital habitat for fish, including species such as Tilapia and Nile Perch

Home to bird species like herons and cormorants, which depend on its ecosystems for breeding and feeding

3. Komadugu-Yobe River Basin:

This is a major water source for plants, animals, and people alike, providing a lifeline to both human settlements and wildlife.

Hosts freshwater fish species like catfish and Nile perch

Supports riverine forests that are crucial for birdlife and amphibians

4. Gujba Forest Reserve:

One of the remaining dry forests in the region, this forest reserve is home to threatened species such as roan antelopes, wild dogs, and African lions (though rare).

Dominated by Acacia species and sheer butter trees

5. Bade-Nguru Wetlands:

Provides seasonal habitat for migratory birds and aquatic species

Forms part of the Palearctic-African migratory flyway, used by wading birds, herons, and ducks.

6. Dagona Birds Sanctuary (Nguru):

A protected area for migratory birds like garganey and marabou storks that come to feed and rest during seasonal migrations

Thematic Area 2: Conservation Methods Specific to Yobe State

Conservation Methods for Yobe’s Biodiversity: In order to conserve the biodiversity and migratory routes in Yobe State, we need to implement a combination of in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) conservation strategies.

 

In-situ Conservation Strategies:

1. Protected Areas:

Strengthen and expand the boundaries of Yankari Game Reserve, Gujba Forest Reserve, and Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands to create safe zones for wildlife.

Develop wildlife corridors that connect these protected zones to enable safe movement of species.

2. Community Forest Reserves:

Work with local communities to establish new community-managed forest reserves to conserve forest habitats and protect species such as the African Mahogany and Roan Antelope.

3. Biodiversity Corridors:

Establish wildlife corridors between fragmented habitats to allow species such as elephants, birds, and antelope to migrate or forage without disturbance.

Ex-situ Conservation Methods:

1. Seed Banks and Arboretums:

Establish seed banks to store native plant seeds (e.g., Acacia nilotica, Vitellaria paradoxa) to ensure future restoration and replanting.

2. Captive Breeding Programs:

Set up breeding programs for endangered species like African wild dog and roan antelope to boost population numbers before reintroducing them into the wild.

3. Reintroduction Programs:

Plan for the reintroduction of species such as the West African Lion into areas from which they have been extirpated, including Gujba Forest Reserve.

Agro-biodiversity Management:

1. Sustainable Agriculture:

Encourage agroforestry systems that combine agriculture with native tree planting to improve habitat quality for birds and other wildlife.

Promote rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and protect plant species that are critical to the ecosystem.

2. Restoration Ecology:

Undertake large-scale restoration of degraded lands, especially Sahelian areas by planting native trees like Parkia biglobosa and restoring native grasses.

Thematic Area 3: Strategic Planning to Address Migratory Route Impact

Migratory Routes in Yobe State: The importance of migratory corridors cannot be overstated, as they are essential for the survival of migratory species, including birds, elephants, and even livestock herders.

Key Migratory Routes:

1. Palearctic-African Migratory Flyway:

Many bird species travel through Yobe State, using wetlands like Hadejia-Nguru and Dagona as stopovers.

Migrants include whistling ducks, garganeys, and spoonbills.

2. Elephant and Antelope Migration:

Historically, African elephants and other megafauna such as roan antelopes migrated through parts of Yobe.

Migratory movements are increasingly disrupted by human development and climate change, especially through Gujba Forest and along Komadugu-Yobe River.

3. Cattle Grazing Corridors:

Fulani herders follow traditional grazing paths across Yobe, and these sometimes overlap with wildlife migration routes, particularly near the riverbanks and wetlands.

Advice to the Project Proponent:

Avoid large-scale infrastructure projects, such as roads or settlements, near wetlands or biodiversity corridors.

Use Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to evaluate the potential disruptions to wildlife migratory paths.

Advocate for the establishment of buffer zones along Komadugu-Yobe River and wetland edges to maintain natural migration routes for birds and other species.

Thematic Area 4: Community Involvement, Monitoring, and Policy Support

Community-Based Conservation:

1. Empower Local Communities:

Involve communities in wildlife monitoring and habitat protection, especially through training local rangers and volunteers in biodiversity protection practices.

2. Sustainable Livelihoods:

Offer incentives for sustainable practices like eco-tourism and biodiversity-based agriculture.

Real-Time Monitoring and Technology:

Utilize drone surveys and camera traps to track migratory species and monitor the health of ecosystems.

Establish data-sharing systems for real-time updates on the movements of migratory birds and large mammals, which will aid conservationists in immediate decision-making.

Policy Integration:

1. Yobe State Biodiversity Action Plan (YBAP):

Develop and implement YBAP as a localized strategy under Nigeria’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), focusing on sustainable land use and the protection of migratory routes.

2. Cross-Border Cooperation:

Collaborate with neighbouring states like Borno, as well as cross-border efforts with countries like Chad and Niger, to conserve migratory species that travel through multiple states.