As the world marks International Day of Climate Action on October 24, the spotlight is on a crucial but often overlooked area. The role of landscape biodiversity in climate resilience. Landscape biodiversity refers to the variety and interconnection of ecosystems across regions, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and farmlands. These ecosystems not only store vast amounts of carbon but also regulate water cycles, reduce disaster risks, and support food systems. However, rapid deforestation, land degradation, and poorly planned development continue to threaten biodiversity and worsen climate impacts.
Experts warn that without urgent, integrated climate and biodiversity action, efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C will remain out of reach. Conservation groups and environmental agencies emphasize the need for nature-based solutions: including reforestation, wetland restoration, agroforestry, and sustainable land-use planning: to enhance landscape connectivity and ecosystem health.
Communities and local governments are also urged to play a bigger role through inclusive policies that protect indigenous lands, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower youth in environmental stewardship. As the planet faces rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, and unpredictable weather events, climate action must go beyond emissions cuts to embrace ecological restoration. Today’s observance is a reminder that climate stability and biodiversity are inseparable, and safeguarding our natural landscapes is not just an environmental duty but a path to long-term survival. The time to act is now: for people, for nature, and for the planet.
Examples of Successful climate Initiatives and biodiversity-related initiatives in Nigeria:
i. Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative
A Pan-African effort implemented in northern Nigeria to combat desertification through afforestation, land restoration, and sustainable land management.
ii. Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)
World Bank-supported project reducing soil erosion and restoring degraded lands in multiple Nigerian states.
iii. Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) by Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)
Focuses on forest restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable development through public-private partnerships.
iv. Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), Lagos
A successful urban biodiversity project preserving mangroves, wetlands, and endangered species within a rapidly urbanizing city.
v. Clean Stove Initiative
Promotes energy-efficient stoves in rural communities to reduce deforestation and indoor air pollution.
vi. UN-REDD+ Pilot Programs
Implemented to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while promoting conservation and sustainable forest management. These projects highlight Nigeria’s growing engagement in nature-based solutions and climate action.
In Nigeria, climate action within the context of landscape biodiversity focuses on integrating environmental sustainability with socio-economic development. The national approach aligns with global goals like the Paris Agreement and the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Some African concepts emphasize on local ownership, indigenous knowledge, ecosystem integrity, and adaptive resilience, essential for effective climate action in biodiverse landscapes. The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) have had significant impact in promoting sustainable landscapes, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation globally, especially across the Global South. Their joint work, under CIFOR-ICRAF, has advanced science-based solutions in forestry, agroforestry, and integrated land management.
Key impacts include:
The implementation of African climate action concepts such as community-based natural resource management, agroecology, and nature-based solutions has profound implications for environmental sustainability and human well-being. These approaches enhance ecosystem resilience, restore degraded landscapes, and conserve biodiversity while supporting livelihoods and food security. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methods fosters inclusive adaptation strategies and empowers local communities. Initiatives like AFR100 and transboundary conservation areas promote regional cooperation and large-scale ecological restoration. These actions reduce climate vulnerability, curb land degradation, and ensure a sustainable future where nature and people thrive together in harmony across diverse African landscapes. In conclusion, African-led climate actions rooted in local knowledge and sustainable practices offer effective pathways to restore biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and support livelihoods. By uniting policy, science, and community efforts, these actions pave the way for a greener, climate-resilient future across the continent.