Six locations, one incredible mission!
The saying “youth are the leaders of tomorrow” is gradually fading away, as there has been increasing clamour for active youth inclusion in all aspects of governance and policy-making in the present. This is particularly evident in the biodiversity space, where youth participation and interest has been on the rise. Indeed, the leaders of tomorrow have grown to become the leaders of today.
Furthering our commitment to enhancing youth participation and action for biodiversity, the Bioverse NG Regional Dialogues were designed to provide youth-led spaces where young leaders and biodiversity stakeholders united in the discussion of biodiversity challenges, policies and governance issues across Nigeria’s six geographical regions.
The series of dialogues were held between the 28th of November to the 8th of December, 2023, and converged 200 participants from across Port Harcourt (South South), Enugu (South East), Borno (North East), Kaduna (North West), Kwara (North Central), and ended in the Lagos (South West).
The dialogues agenda included keynote presentations by reputable Biodiversity professionals key biodiversity challenges within the regions and panel discussions on the challenges of policy implementation and youth inclusion within the sector. Participants were also grouped into breakout circles focused on driving youth-led conversations, perspectives and recommendations on critical themes and topics relevant to promoting biodiversity conservation in each region.
The events also featured case study presentations on Ecosystem-based Adaptation proposals from the Bioverse NG Workshop, sharing various ideas and solutions to solving biodiversity issues, drawn from the natural ecosystem processes.
Key Discussions
Participants emphasised the significant role of human actions such as poverty-driven survival tactics, bush burning, wildlife poaching, and insecurity as leading factors contributing to biodiversity loss. Addressing these issues emerged as a consensus among participants, prompting discussions on potential solutions, including afforestation, youth and community engagement, innovative technology adoption, and policy enforcement.
Various strategies to increase awareness and public involvement were proposed, such as social media advocacy, radio programs, school sensitization, and collaboration with religious leaders and environmental specialists. Encouraging youth leadership in implementation efforts through platforms like social media, community service, and innovation was underscored. However, participants also noted the need for stronger governance and policy enforcement to ensure effective biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, participants discussed the importance of allocating budgets for environmental conservation, reviewing and enforcing climate change legislation, and promoting sustainable resource management through afforestation, water conservation, and awareness campaigns.
Stakeholders Participation
The Bioverse NG Regional dialogues saw notable stakeholders in attendance across regions ranging representing government stakeholders, youth led organisations, academic institutions, civil society organisations including University of Maiduguri, Kaduna State University, the Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research, Nigeria Youth Biodiversity Network, Nature News, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Enugu State Ministry of Environment, University of Portharcourt, Centre for Niger Delta studies, Kwara State Commissioners for Environment and Health, Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency, World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (OMEF), YALI Kaduna, etc.
Participants Feedback
For many Bioversers who attended the regional dialogues, it was their first time connecting in person after four months of virtual engagement. The experience was surreal, featuring exciting icebreakers, games that added fun and relatability to the dialogue. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the event as ‘impactful’, ‘inclusive’, and ‘educative’.
Wrapping Up
The dialogues resulted in increased awareness and understanding of policy issues related to climate change and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria among 200 participants. Each region brought its unique challenges to the table, but the common thread was clear: youth participation is essential. From afforestation and policy enforcement to education and citizen science, these dialogues have set the stage for defining youth-led pathways to conserving our natural biodiversity. Here’s to a future where our youth lead the charge in preserving our natural world!