By Emmanuel Elebeke

ABUJA – In a bid to drive sustainable development and preserve the nation’s environmental heritage, Nigeria is turning its attention to biosphere reserves.

At a recent gathering, Director of Forestry, Moses Ama, representing the Minister of Environment, emphasized the importance of biosphere reserves in achieving sustainable development goals.

“Today, we gather to discuss the vital aspect of our nation’s environmental heritage and its potential to drive sustainable development,” Ama said. “Biosphere reserves are a unique ecosystem that conserves biodiversity, provides opportunities for sustainable and good families, and promotes economic growth.”

Ama further noted that Nigeria recognizes the significance of biosphere reserves in achieving sustainable development goals, aligning with SDG 15 and the Cuban-Mongolian Global Biodiversity Framework. “Together, we can achieve sustainable development in Nigeria while preserving the beauty and bounty of our biosphere reserves for future generations,” he added.

Director-General of the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Zacharia Yaduma, highlighted the importance of biosphere reserves in preserving Nigeria’s natural resources.

“Biosphere Reserve is so important in Nigeria because it is the only area now in Nigeria that we have intact, no disturbance, no deforestation, no anything in the protected areas,” Yaduma said.

Yaduma also revealed plans to expand Nigeria’s biosphere reserves, incorporating additional national parks and reserves to conserve the country’s biodiversity. “We suggested that the number of biosphere reserves in the country Nigeria should be added… We look at these three, four national parks that are rich in natural resources,” he said.

Mr. Albert, Head of the UNESCO Abuja office, emphasized the role of biosphere reserves in promoting sustainable development. “The mission of the UNESCO MAB programme is to develop and strengthen models of sustainable development through its world network of biosphere reserves… and communicate experiences and lessons learned,” he said.

Albert also noted that biosphere reserves are crucial for education, research, and awareness-raising work. “Biosphere Reserves are central to education, research, and awareness-raising work to foster innovative sustainable development practices and combat the loss of biodiversity,” he added.