The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to promoting nature-based solutions to climate change while safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.
The National Executive Council (NEC) Chairman, NCF, Justice Bukola Adebiyi, made this known at the 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Foundation.
Adebiyi said 184,000 trees had been planted by the foundation across different parts of the country to tackle climate change.
“We achieved a remarkable milestone by planting 184,000 trees across different parts of the country.
“We are committed to expanding the impact of the Green Recovery Nigeria programme, promoting nature-based solutions to climate change, and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations,” she said.
Adebiyi described the AGM as a day for stocktaking in the continued effort toward driving its shared mission to protect Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.
“This is also to promote sustainable development in an increasingly challenging world.
“Our conservation efforts included protecting endangered species under our Saving Species in Peril programme.
“Through concerted efforts, we supported the development of the National Elephant Action Plan, continued our work safeguarding Cross River gorillas, lions, leopards, sea turtles, and other critical species.
“We also implemented community-led initiatives that are helping stem biodiversity loss in key habitats across Nigeria,” she said.
She added that the foundation’s actions in tackling climate change gained even greater momentum in 2024.
“NCF’s active participation at the COP29 Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the various local advocacy initiatives, such as the Ibadan Climate Caravan Walk and Osun Climate Awareness Walk, demonstrated our strong presence at both the national and international stages.
“We continued to build capacity across communities, reaching thousands of beneficiaries through sustainable livelihood projects that created 7,500 direct and indirect green jobs across Nigeria.
“In empowering communities, particularly youth and women, we have sown seeds that will yield lasting impact,” she said.
Adebiyi, who acknowledged that challenges were being faced, explained that it strengthened the foundation’s determination to do better.
“Our journey was not without challenges. Illegal logging, climate change, limited funding for conservation activities, and community pressures continued to test our resolve.
“However, these challenges have only strengthened our determination. We responded by forging new partnerships, adopting technology-driven solutions for restoration monitoring.
“We also expanded our advocacy for nature-based solutions at every opportunity. Looking to the future, we are filled with renewed hope and purpose,” she said.
Earlier, the President, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Chief Philip Asiodu, in his address, urged Nigerians to continue to be champions for nature, advocates for conservation, and builders of a sustainable Nigeria.
“As we gather today, I urge us to recognise that the challenges ahead are still immense.
“However, I am confident that together through innovation, collaboration, and relentless dedication, we can confront these challenges and secure a healthier planet for generations to come,” Asiodu said.
He also stressed the need for partnership for economic growth and development.
“Through the support of international and local donors, we were able to achieve the initiatives under our Strategic Action Plan (SAP),” he said.
The NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, said the foundation was looking forward to investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.
“As we move toward the conclusion of our current Strategic Action Plan, we remain steadfast in our mission.
“Our priorities in the year ahead include expanding landscape restoration and forest cover across Nigeria, deepening species conservation and habitat protection,” he said.
Asiodu added that the foundation would scale climate resilience and adaptation strategies by empowering communities and green enterprises and investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.