The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS member-countries have committed to expanding the sub-region’s protected areas to 30% by 2030 in line with global target. They made the commitment in Abuja at an ECOWAS coordination meeting.
It was a gathering of representatives of ECOWAS member-countries and their development partners to deliberate on ways of expanding and strengthening the sub-region’s protected areas to at least 30% by 2030.
Tagged “Vision 30 by 30”, protection of 30% of the sub-region’s biodiversity is geared towards preserving the ecosystem to withstand future climate shocks and halt human-induced extinction of wild species.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako while emphasising the country’s leadership role in West Africa’s response to biodiversity crisis expressed worry at the severe impact of climate change on vulnerable communities resulting in poorer communities and jeopardised food security.
Stakeholders at this event believe that the region’s hard work and commitment in expanding its protected areas will serve as a wake-up call to the rest of the world for more urgent global response and increased financial support towards addressing biodiversity crisis.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
