By Abbas Nazil
To mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Nigerian Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN) hosted a high-level youth-focused webinar themed “Youth Perspectives in Living in Harmony with Nature.”
The event brought together conservation advocates, experts, and young leaders from Nigeria and Kenya to discuss the role of youth in safeguarding biodiversity.
The webinar which was moderated by Rahmat Oseze Sanni featured the official launch of two key national documents aimed at strengthening the implementation of the reviewed National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP).
Mr. Olusegun Michael Ogundele, the National Coordinator of NYBN, led the launch of the Youth Engagement Strategy and Policy Guidelines on NBSAP Implementation.
He also introduced a new educational chart on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, developed by NYBN to promote biodiversity education and awareness in schools and institutions.
Mr. Ogundele acknowledged the support of partner organizations and confirmed that the documents will be made publicly available.
Rasheed Yusuf, Managing Director of Nature News Africa, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of engaging Nigerian youth in biodiversity conservation as a pathway to sustainable development.
Other keynote speakers included Elly Omundi, a wildlife officer from Kenya; Lucius Ndimele, a Nigerian soil scientist, each offering unique insights into the relevance of biodiversity and the role of youth in addressing current environmental challenges.
Olayemi and Grace who are participant of the webinar emphasized that biodiversity is essential for the survival of all life forms and is the foundation of functioning ecosystems.
Akanbi Esther urged youth to live sustainably, raise awareness online and offline, and remain informed about local environmental issues.
Elly Omundi encouraged participants to launch community-led initiatives like tree planting and habitat restoration, explore green entrepreneurship, and apply technology to conservation efforts.
He also discussed key pillars of a national youth engagement strategy, including awareness creation, environmental education, youth leadership, and innovation.
Mr. Lucius Ndimele explored the significance of agro-biodiversity in building resilient food systems, noting its contribution to climate change adaptation, nutritional diversity, and soil health.
He identified threats such as monoculture, deforestation, and chemical use and called on youth to support biodiversity-friendly agriculture by promoting agroecological practices and preserving traditional seeds.
Ndimele also advocated for the formation of biodiversity clubs in schools and institutions to help future decision-makers better understand the importance of nature.
He concluded by sharing a success story of how agroforestry practices improved biodiversity and resilience in Ebonyi State.
The meeting ended with a call to action from the Deputy National Coordinator, Akanbi Esther, who urged participants to engage in local conservation projects, plant trees, reduce waste, protect native species, and become vocal advocates for biodiversity.
While giving the closing remarks, Mrs Olayemi Ajayi, NYBN Advisory Board member, emphasized that protecting biodiversity begins with individual responsibility and leading by example.
NYBN outlined next steps including making the launched documents publicly available, distributing more copies of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework educational chart, implementing the Biodiversity Education Project in collaboration with 4–5 universities across Nigeria, and encouraging interested participants to volunteer with the Network.
Members were also advised to familiarize themselves with the new documents and Nigeria’s recently updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Pland (NBSAP) from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
