Federal Ministry of Environment in a new partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Natural Eco Capital, are joining forces with a global coalition of more than 100 influential partner organisations (Business for Nature) to strengthen public-private collaboration for nature positive development and biodiversity commitment in the country.
In her opening remarks at the launch of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) held at the weekend in Abuja, the director, Forestry of the ministry, Halima Bawa-Bwari, said the meeting marked a decisive step toward securing the future of forests, ecosystems, and the invaluable biodiversity that sustains life and livelihoods accross Nigeria.
Bawa-Bwari reiterated that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) provides the nation with a clear roadmap to conserve as well as sustainably use, and equitably share the benefits of biodiversity. She explained that BIOFIN complements this vision by mobilizing innovative financing solutions in ensuring that Nigeria’s commitments are not only aspirational but achievable.
While revealing that through BIOFIN, they aim to bridge the financing gap for biodiversity conservation, strengthen partnerships between government, private sector, civil society, and local communities, she also noted that it will promote sustainable forestry practices that balance ecological integrity with economic growth, and empower communities as custodians of biodiversity, ensuring they benefit directly from conservation efforts.
She said the partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Natural Eco Capital, two leading Nigerian non-governmental organizations committed to conservation and sustainable economic development is not just about funding but also about transforming the way we value nature.
Earlier, the African lead, Business for Nature, Sooto Ajayi, noted that the new partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between business, government and the civil society.
Ajayi revealed that their goal is to mobilize businesses and support the government towards developing frameworks and policies that enables business action align with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
“This initiative is part of Business for Nature’s broader national projects initiative, which works country by country to bridge the gap between global ambition and national reality by supporting countries to implement the GBF and build nature-positive, resilient economies”, he said.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation spoke on the importance of the collaboration and NCF’s strategic role: “For over four decades, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation has championed the protection and sustainable use of our nation’s rich biodiversity. This partnership creates a unique platform to engage the private sector as an essential partner in restoring ecosystems, creating green jobs, and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations”, he added.
Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO, Natural Eco Capital sheds light on nature’s importance and the possibilities the partnership holds.
He said nature is one of our most valuable assets, and its protection must be seen as smart economics, not philanthropy.
Itua further stated that by linking biodiversity targets with business strategy and national development priorities, this partnership will help companies understand, measure, and manage their dependencies as well as impacts, risks, and opportunities on nature in ways that create shared value.
