Nigeria, in collaboration with UNESCO, is training members of the Oban community in Cross River State on biodiversity-based businesses to promote conservation and sustainable development around the Oban Biosphere Reserve.
The initiative is part of the Nigeria-UNESCO project, Biodiversity Business in Oban, Omo, and Shere Hills Biosphere Reserves: A Means to Poverty Reduction, Biodiversity Conservation, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
The week-long training program involves 12 communities, including Old Netim, Nsan, Obung, Ojor, Nsofang, New Ekuri, Old Ekuri, Neghe, Oban, Osomba, Orem, and Ojok.
Sponsored by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, the project is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), and the National Park Service (NPS).
Dr. Enang Moma, UNESCO National Professional Officer for the Natural Science Sector in Abuja, said the training aims to conserve biodiversity while creating wealth through the development of biodiversity-related businesses.
“People depend on biodiversity for their livelihoods, but this must be done sustainably. Biodiversity is crucial for food production, medicine, and ecosystem stability. Our goal is to create opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs while promoting gender inclusivity and poverty reduction,” Moma explained.
He added that 250 families from the participating communities would receive training in poultry, piggery, and fishery, with the expectation that the knowledge will be shared within their households. “At the end of this program, we hope to impact about 2,500 people,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, represented by Dr. Zacharia Yaduma, Director-General of FRIN, highlighted that the training would enable communities to benefit from sustainable use of natural resources while protecting their local ecosystems.
“Environmental education fosters community responsibility. Integrating livelihood development and business management into this project equips participants with the skills needed to develop nature-based businesses, enhance local resources, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable practices,” Lawal said.
Traditional Ruler of Oban, Mr. Ignatius Ndifon, urged community members, especially women and youth, to take the training seriously and become advocates for preserving the Oban Biosphere Reserve.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of the National Park Service, represented by CP Joseph Ntui, Conservator of Cross River National Park, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained toward biodiversity conservation and called on community leaders to support the protection of local natural resources.
The training curriculum includes biodiversity business management, bookkeeping, piggery, fish farming, and poultry-related biodiversity business practices.
