Stakeholders convened in Abuja on Monday, March 3, 2025, to call for an innovative funding mechanism for wildlife conservation.
They unanimously agreed on the need for such a mechanism during the 2025 World Wildlife Day celebration, themed “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, stated that the theme could not be more timely as “we confront the urgent need to bridge the financing gap for wildlife conservation”.
The minister was represented by Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
He emphasised that wildlife is not just a source of national pride and ecological balance but also the foundation of the economy and social well-being for millions of people.
“There is a need for an innovative financing mechanism; both private sector and community-based revenue models must be harnessed to ensure long-term conservation.
“This requires a collaborative effort between the government, international partners, financial institutions, and other communities that must work together to secure a sustainable funding stream that aligns with the conservation activity we are intending to carry out.
“Nigeria is committed to strengthening our conservation financing landscape through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and innovative funding models,” the minister assured.
Lawal urged stakeholders to collaborate on conservation efforts that would unlock new biodiversity opportunities and drive sustainable development.
Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, called for urgent and innovative financing strategies to ensure that conservation efforts remain sustainable and impactful.
Kambari, who was represented by Dr Ama Moses, Director of Forestry in the ministry, stated that investing in wildlife conservation is not just about protecting species.
“It is about securing livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering sustainable development.
“However, achieving lasting success requires sustainable financing models that integrate government support, private sector investment, and community participation.
“Nigeria is blessed with a rich biodiversity that supports ecological balance, livelihoods, and economic development,” Kambari said.
Cheikh Toure, the representative of UNODC Nigeria, said that the 2025 theme is a call to action at a crucial time to safeguard our natural heritage globally.
“Traditional funding models are no longer sufficient or sustainable in the long run; we need innovative solutions now more than ever,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS), described the theme as apt, stressing that funding challenges affect all sectors of life.
He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative solutions to address conservation financing needs.
Goni, who was represented by Dr Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G) and Director of Ecology and Resource Management at NPS, emphasised the need to raise awareness about investing in wildlife conservation.
“Every specie plays a vital role in our lives. Financial investment is not only about preserving wildlife; it also impacts the health of ecosystems and humans.
“The challenges confronting the parks include poaching, grazing, encroachment, banditry, and insurgency. However, the NPS remains committed to the conservation and preservation of the ecosystem,” he said.
Dr Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for the Africa Wild Fund, in his keynote address, called for urgent action on wildlife conservation, warning that “over one million species are threatened with extinction due to human activities”.
By Abigael Joshua