The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has said that Nigeria will play a key role in the establishment of global waterbird counts aimed at protecting wetlands and biodiversity.
In a statement issued on Monday, NCF Director-General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, said Nigeria’s wetlands are of immense ecological and economic value and must be carefully protected.
Onoja highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s participation in Ramsar COP15, a global forum for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
“Ramsar is an Iranian city where the agreement to conserve wetlands was first established, hence the name ‘Ramsar Convention’,” he explained.
He noted that the Ramsar Convention serves as a global treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands, with Nigeria duly represented at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15).
“Key outcomes include the establishment of the Waterbird Estimate Partnership, a global initiative to coordinate waterbird counts,” Onoja said.
According to him, Nigeria—situated along the East Atlantic Flyway—will play a central role in the global bird monitoring initiative.
“The NCF, BirdLife’s partner in Nigeria, has long organised annual bird counts, and our expertise helped shape this partnership,” he added.
Onoja stressed that climate change poses direct threats to wetlands and biodiversity, emphasizing that Ramsar promotes synergy among global conventions to address such challenges.
“Conservation has no borders. Migratory birds change locations seasonally. In Europe, they are European birds; in Nigeria, they become Nigerian birds,” he noted.
He warned that neglecting wetland protection in one country can undermine conservation efforts globally, as migratory birds depend on interconnected habitats.
“We all have a duty to protect habitats, forests, and wetlands. If we fail, nature will protect itself—without us,” Onoja cautioned.
The NCF boss urged policymakers to enact and enforce strong, practical conservation policies to ensure the sustainability of natural ecosystems.
He also advised local communities to recognize wetlands as their lifeline and to avoid sacrificing long-term well-being for short-term gains.
“Protecting wetlands safeguards your future and that of your children. Don’t trade your children’s future for temporary profit,” Onoja said.
