By Abbas Nazil
KANO, NIGERIA — The 2nd Edition of the FOWSAN Symposium held on January 22, 2025, at the Agric Theatre, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano,
It was held collaboration with Youth Hub Kano, brought together experts, students, and conservation enthusiasts to deliberate on the pivotal role of Falgore National Park as a protected area and its journey so far.
The event showcased the park’s historical significance, ecological value, and the potential for sustainable development through ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.
The keynote address, delivered by Professor Tijjani S. Imam from the Department of Biological Sciences, provided a comprehensive overview of the park’s evolution.
He traced its roots back to its establishment in 1949 as the Kogin Kano Forest Reserve under the colonial administration.
Highlighting its 1969 upgrade to a game reserve and the 2021 presidential approval for its national park status, Professor Imam emphasized the park’s critical ecological, economic, and cultural significance.
He underscored how the park serves as a repository of biodiversity, with 26 tree species and 24 animal species, including several that are endangered or vulnerable.
The symposium was graced by the welcoming address of Dr. Idris Abubakar Zagga, Head of the Forestry and Wildlife Management Department, who set the tone by reiterating the importance of Falgore National Park as a vital natural asset for Kano State and the nation at large.
He called on stakeholders to commit to its preservation and sustainable use.
The event’s first speaker, Professor M.M. Badamasi, represented by Dr. Nuruddeen Danjuma of the Geography Department, delved into the floral biodiversity of Falgore National Park.
He painted a vivid picture of its Sudan savanna vegetation, gallery forests, and vast grasslands, which host a diverse range of shrubs and trees.
He stressed the park’s role as a carbon sink and watershed protector, essential for mitigating climate change and supporting local agriculture through irrigation sourced from the Kano River and its tributaries.
Dr. Halima Abdulkadir Idris, from the Environmental Management Department, further enriched the discussion by exploring the ecotourism potential of the park.
She highlighted its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 15, focusing on decent work and biodiversity conservation.
Dr. Idris Zagga emphasized how ecotourism could generate income for local communities through employment in park management, tour guiding, and hospitality services.
He also advocated for initiatives to showcase the cultural heritage of nearby communities and promote their crafts and agricultural products.
The symposium also acknowledged the challenges facing Falgore National Park, including infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation from illegal logging and charcoal burning, security concerns, and inadequate funding.
Professor Imam and other speakers called for targeted interventions to address these issues, such as public awareness campaigns, international conservation partnerships, and incentives for eco-friendly investments.
A highlight of the event was the collaboration between the Forestry and Wildlife Students’ Association of Nigeria (FOWSAN) and Youth Hub Kano, which brought fresh perspectives and youth-driven solutions to the table.
The President of FOWSAN, Ismail Usman Sanni, in his vote of thanks, applauded the efforts of all participants, speakers, and organizers for making the symposium a success.
He expressed hope that the discussions and recommendations from the event would catalyze action toward upgrading Falgore National Park into a model for sustainable tourism and conservation in Nigeria.
The symposium concluded on a note of optimism, with participants agreeing that the park’s upgrade to a national park would be a significant step toward safeguarding its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations to unlock the full potential of Falgore National Park as a protected area and ecotourism destination.
This second edition of the FOWSAN Symposium has set the stage for more robust conversations and actions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of one of Nigeria’s most cherished natural assets.
