Stakeholders chart pathways to inclusive bio-economy

The International Society for Tropical Foresters (ISTF) has assembled stakeholders to promote innovative research in the Nigerian forestry sector.

The stakeholders drawn from within and outside Nigeria identified habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, climate change, and insecurity among others as challenges to the 1000 protected areas in the country.

They made these submissions during the 2nd international conference of ISTF- Nigeria, which was held at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Jericho, Ibadan.

The guest speaker; Prof. Aminu Fagge underscored the need for collaboration between the academia, industry and government agencies to support biotechnological innovation in genetic engineering, molecular biology and bioinformatics.

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In her contribution, a Professor of Rural Sociology at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Janice Olawoye who spoke on Gender Mainstreaming in Forestry Development in Nigeria charged the forestry and environment community to recognise women as primary stakeholders.

She said: “Now is the time for the forestry and environment community to recognise that women are primary stakeholders of forest management schemes and that actions to strengthen women’s position and bring them into the discussions and decisions are critical to enable them to better conserve forests, trees and land.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the DG of FRIN,  Prof. Zachariah Yaduma noted that Nigeria is endowed with rich biodiversity and natural resources, making her a key player in the emerging bio-economy.

He added that the protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife and forest reserves, serve as important conservation and management sites to safeguard the nation’s valuable resources.

The Global Coordinator of ISTF, Sheila Ward also noted that stakeholders need to look at how to increase effectiveness on the ground in conserving, restoring, and sustainably using tropical forests.