By Nita Duru
The Nigerian Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN), in collaboration with the Sustainable Environmental Food and Agriculture Initiative (SEFAAI), held a Media & Communication Workshop that reverberated with a resounding call to action. This event which took place in Lagos, Nigeria on the 12th of April, was graced by dignitaries from across the nation, including the Hon. Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako and it served as a clarion call to elevate biodiversity conservation to the forefront of public discourse.
At its core, the workshop served as a crucible of knowledge and awareness, guiding the path of the 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) action plans in Nigeria. Amidst the backdrop of increasing population growth, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, the gathering brought the understanding that it is imperative to reconcile human prosperity with environmental stewardship looms large.
Central to the discourse was the role of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) in amplifying the voices of young people worldwide. Representing the vanguard of youth advocacy within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), GYBN epitomizes a global coalition united in its resolve to halt the loss of biodiversity. Since its inception, GYBN has transcended geographical boundaries, fostering grassroots initiatives and empowering local communities to take ownership of biodiversity conservation efforts.
Africa, endowed with unparalleled biodiversity, stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. As emphasized by GYBN Africa, the continent’s youthful demographic presents a formidable force for change. Through the establishment of national chapters and grassroots initiatives, GYBN Africa endeavours to bring the voices of young Africans to the forefront of biodiversity policy arenas. By raising awareness of biodiversity values and empowering indigenous communities, GYBN Africa seeks to foster a culture of stewardship and responsibility towards our planet’s natural heritage.
During the workshop, Mr Olusegun Michael Ogundele, the National Coordinator of NYBN, underscored the significance of GYBN’s twenty-three targets, spanning from participatory spatial planning to gender equality in biodiversity implementation. These targets serve as a blueprint for action, guiding stakeholders towards a future where biodiversity loss is minimized, and the rights of indigenous peoples are respected.
In the realm of media engagement, Mr. Abiodun Aderibigbe, the Director of Research and Business Development at SEFAAI emphasized the pivotal role of media in driving awareness for biodiversity protection. By leveraging the power of storytelling and education, media outlets can serve as catalysts for change, inspiring collective action toward biodiversity conservation.
Speaking to a captivated audience, Mr. Femi representing the Managing Director of Nature News Africa, Mr. Rasheed Yusuf, emphasized the pivotal role of media in shaping public perceptions and driving societal change. Recognizing the immense power wielded by journalists in influencing public discourse, he underscored the imperative of carrying journalists along on the journey towards biodiversity conservation and extended a heartfelt invitation for journalists to liaise with environmental reporters, forging alliances that transcend traditional boundaries.
“As custodians of information, journalists hold the key to unlocking public consciousness towards biodiversity conservation,” remarked Mr. Femi. “By fostering collaboration between journalists and environmental reporters, we can harness the full potential of media as a catalyst for change.”
The symbiotic relationship between media and biodiversity lies at the heart of this transformative vision. Through compelling storytelling and investigative reporting, journalists have the power to illuminate the intricate tapestry of life that comprises our planet’s natural heritage. By weaving narratives that resonate with audiences far and wide, they can ignite a passion for biodiversity conservation that transcends geographical boundaries.
However, Mr. Femi acknowledged the inherent challenges faced by journalists in navigating the complex terrain of biodiversity reporting. From deciphering scientific jargon to unravelling the nuances of ecological systems, the path toward effective biodiversity communication is fraught with obstacles. It is here that collaboration with environmental reporters assumes paramount importance, bridging the gap between knowledge and dissemination.
“Environmental reporters possess a wealth of expertise and insight into the intricacies of biodiversity conservation,” affirmed Mr. Femi. “By fostering dialogue and exchange between journalists and environmental reporters, we can unlock new avenues for storytelling and engagement.”
In a world beset by environmental challenges, the need for concerted action has never been more pressing. By leveraging the power of media as a conduit for change, we can amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of biodiversity conservation. From grassroots initiatives to global advocacy campaigns, the possibilities are as boundless as the biodiversity we strive to protect.
At its essence, the workshop heralded a call to empower indigenous communities as custodians of biodiversity. By equipping environmental defenders with the tools and knowledge to advocate for biodiversity protection, we pave the way for a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.
As the workshop came to a close, the participants left a resounding call to action. Stating the need for everyone present to be stewards of planet Earth and to embrace the journey towards a sustainable future. Through collective action and unwavering determination, attendees affirmed that there is the possibility of forging forward towards biodiversity conservation, thereby ensuring a legacy of abundance for generations to come.
