By Abdullahi Lukman
African environment ministers have strengthened regional cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, protect biodiversity and mobilise sustainable funding for conservation initiatives across the continent.
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this in an interview following a high-level consultation on the Guinean Forest Biome held on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Yerevan, Armenia, on Tuesday.
Lawal said the participating countries were exploring joint strategies to address shared ecological challenges, enhance cross-border partnerships and ensure equitable access to funding for biodiversity conservation.
The consultation brought together representatives from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Benin Republic and Togo, among others, to discuss forest and wildlife protection, ecosystem restoration and sustainable conservation financing.
According to the minister, the meeting provided an opportunity for countries to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and develop a common approach to protecting natural resources.
He said the discussions also focused on mobilising resources and promoting community-led conservation initiatives through coordinated regional action.
“We need to move from conservation commitments to measurable action, supported by long-term financing, effective monitoring, strong governance and meaningful community participation,” Lawal said.
He added that Nigeria’s participation demonstrated its commitment to biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration and international environmental cooperation, while creating opportunities to strengthen existing initiatives, including the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW).
Lawal stressed that protecting biodiversity required more than establishing conservation areas, noting that sustained investment, inclusive partnerships and effective implementation were essential to safeguarding ecosystems for present and future generations.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NAGGW, Malam Saleh Abubakar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable financing.
Abubakar said the consultation addressed strategies for mobilising public and philanthropic funding, strengthening international partnerships, supporting community-led conservation and ensuring the sustainable management of protected areas.
The conference, themed “Taking Action for Nature,” brought together ministerial representatives and delegates from various countries to advance international cooperation on biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
