Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It has three main objectives:

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of its components
3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

Nigeria's Involvement

• Nigeria is a signatory to the CBD, having ratified the convention in 1994.
• The Federal Ministry of Environment is the national focal point and coordinating body for the implementation of the CBD in Nigeria.
• Nigeria has developed a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align national efforts with the CBD's goals. The current NBSAP (2016-2020) outlines strategies for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing.
• Nigeria is also a party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, both under the CBD.

Overview of Nigeria's Biodiversity

Nigeria's diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. The country is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot due to its high levels of species richness and endemism.

Protected Areas

Nigeria has established a network of protected areas to conserve its unique ecosystems and species, including national parks, game reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.

National Biodiversity Strategies

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) provides a comprehensive framework for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Nigeria, aligned with the CBD's strategic goals.

Nigeria is endowed with rich biodiversity due to its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, savannas, montane regions, and freshwater ecosystems.

Key Biodiversity Resources

Protected Areas

Nigeria has over 1,000 protected areas, including:

• National Parks: Cross River, Yankari, Gashaka-Gumti, Okomu
• Game Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Forest Reserves
• Ramsar Sites (Wetlands of International Importance): such as the Oguta Lake and Niger Delta Mangroves

Genetic Resources

Nigeria is rich in genetic diversity, including indigenous crop varieties (e.g., yam, cowpea, millet) and livestock breeds.

Flora and Fauna

Home to iconic species like the Cross River Gorilla, Nigerian-Cameroon Chimpanzee, African Elephant, and Pygmy Hippopotamus. It also has diverse plant species, including medicinal plants and timber species.

Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

The Niger Delta and coastal areas host mangroves, fish species, and marine turtles.

Threats to Biodiversity

• Habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization
• Pollution (oil spills in the Niger Delta)
• Overexploitation of resources (bushmeat, illegal logging)
• Climate change
• Invasive alien species

The Federal Ministry of Environment, along with its agencies and partners, produces publications on biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Key Publications

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP): The blueprint for biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
• National Reports to the CBD: Submitted periodically to update the CBD Secretariat on Nigeria's progress.
• State of the Environment Report: Provides an overview of environmental conditions and trends.
• National Policy on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development.
• Technical Reports and Guidelines: E.g., National Biosafety Guidelines, National Wetland Conservation and Management Policy.
• Awareness Materials: Brochures, posters, and newsletters on biodiversity conservation.

Where to Find Publications

• Ministry's Website: https://environment.gov.ng
• Biodiversity and Forestry Research Institutes
• UNEP and CBD websites for Nigeria's national reports

Nigeria's biodiversity data is managed through various platforms and initiatives:

Key Data Platforms

• Nigeria Biodiversity Information System (NBIS): A platform for sharing biodiversity data, including species occurrences, ecosystems, and protected areas.
• National Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM): Established under the CBD to facilitate access to biodiversity information. (Note: The CHM for Nigeria has been under development; updates may be sought from the Ministry).
• GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Nigeria contributes data to GBIF through institutions like the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB).
• Protected Planet: For information on Nigeria's protected areas.
• National Forest Reference Emissions Level (FREL) Platform: For forest and carbon data.

Access Points

• NBIS Portal: http://nibis.gov.ng (Note: Verify current availability)
• GBIF: https://www.gbif.org/country/NG
• Protected Planet: https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/NGA

Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria

Address

Environment House,
10, Mabushi District,
Abuja, Nigeria.

Contact Details

• Phone: +234 9 523 6029, +234 9 523 6030
• Email: info@environment.gov.ng
• Website: https://environment.gov.ng

Key Departments/Agencies for Biodiversity

• Department of Forestry and National Parks: Responsible for forest conservation and protected areas.
• National Park Service: Manages Nigeria's national parks.
• National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA): Enforces environmental laws.
• National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB): Manages genetic resources.
• Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF): Key NGO partner.

CBD National Focal Point

The Director of Forestry or designated officer in the Ministry serves as the CBD focal point. Contact via the Ministry's main channels.