Dr. Jean-Paul Abiaga, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, has called on state governments managing Nigeria’s biosphere reserves to boost biodiversity conservation by encouraging green and sustainable livelihoods. Speaking at a biodiversity business training in communities around the Omo Biosphere Reserve in Ogun State, Abiaga emphasized conservation as central to UNESCO’s mandate to protect biodiversity while supporting communities’ sustainable income generation.
He highlighted ongoing training in piggery and sustainable fish farming for 10 communities near the reserve, aiming to create green income sources that discourage destructive environmental practices like illegal logging and poaching. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, while addressing climate change challenges.
Abiaga expressed hope that this model will scale across Nigeria to help communities thrive without harming biodiversity, fostering a balance between nature preservation and livelihood improvement.
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