UNKNOWN to many, protected areas play a crucial role in Nigeria’s emerging bioeconomy by conserving biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Protected areas include national parks, wildlife reserves and forest reserves. They are set aside for the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Bioeconomy refers to an economy that is powered by nature. It is an emerging economic model that focuses on the use of renewable natural resources while minimising or replacing the current use of non-renewable, fossil-based products.
Nigeria has rich biodiversity and natural resources that make the country a key player in the emerging bioeconomy. Protected areas exist in order to safeguard the nation’s valuable biological resources. Protected areas are therefore key to the preservation of biodiversity. Some of these protected areas include Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, Okomu National Park in Edo State, Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi, Gashaka-Gumti National Park close to Nigeria’s border with Cameroun, among others.
At the second Annual Conference of the International Society of Tropical Foresters-Nigeria (ISTF-Nigeria) 2024, held at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State, the director-general/CEO of FRIN, Professor Zacharia Yaduma, made a case for protected areas and their role in Nigeria’s emerging bioeconomy.
According to ISTF-Nigeria President, Nkechinyere Isienyi, the conference focused on “promoting innovation and research in the forestry sector, bringing together experts and stakeholders to explore opportunities and address challenges in this vital industry.
“As we navigate the complexities of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental conservation, the forestry sector plays a critical role. Our conference aims to harness the power of innovation and research to drive progress, foster collaboration, and ensure a resilient future for our planet. This conference celebrates our shared passion for the green environment and provides a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning.”
In a paper presented at the conference of foresters, the DG stated that protected areas “contain a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to Nigeria. Protecting these species helps maintain the country’s natural heritage and provides potential resources for future bio-based industries.
“They serve as a source of raw materials for various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production. By implementing sustainable harvesting practices, these areas can provide a continuous supply of important natural resources without degrading the environment.”
Secondly, according to him, protected areas support the bioeconomy in the field of ecotourism. “Nigeria’s protected areas host a diverse range of wildlife and natural landscapes, making them popular tourist destinations. This not only generates revenue for the government but also supports local communities through job creation and economic opportunities,” he noted.
Thirdly, protected areas are important sites for conducting research. “Research conducted in these areas are significant to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation, leading to new ideas and technologies that can drive economic growth,” Professor Yaduma noted.
“Furthermore, protected areas play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation by sequestering carbon, regulating water cycles, and enhancing resilience to extreme weather conditions. These help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promotion of the nation’s climate resilience,” he added.
Despite their importance, protected areas in Nigeria face a number of issues, including insufficient financing and illegal activities such as poaching, illegal logging to mention a few. To fully capitalise on their potential in the bioeconomy, it is critical to solve these difficulties and establish sustainable management strategies, the DG said.
“Continued investment in protected areas and the integration of biodiversity conservation into sustainable development strategies will be key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s bioeconomy,” he concluded.
Read Also: 5 benefits of setting healthy boundaries
and then