The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria and the National Park Service, has launched a biodiversity business training programme in the Omo Biosphere Reserve, Ogun State.

According to a statement published on PUNCH, the training aims to benefit 2,500 families from 10 communities within the Biosphere Reserve.

The communities include Aba Kurudu, Oshoko, Owode, Abeku 1, Etemi, Apora, Akorede, Sojukorodo, Eseke, and Mokore.

The statement revealed that the individuals would be empowered with skills to establish and operate biodiversity-based businesses, focusing on piggery and fish farming.

The Director-General of FRIN and Chairman of the Man and Biosphere Committee, Zacharia Yaduma, while speaking at the training workshop, noted the importance of environmental education in promoting community responsibility and stewardship.

He said, “By equipping participants with management and entrepreneurial skills, we are promoting nature-based businesses that enhance local resources, alleviate poverty, and encourage sustainable production methods.”

Also, the Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office, Jean-Paul Abiaga, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the project, which aims to empower local communities in establishing and operating biodiversity businesses.

“We are working closely with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this project, which will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of communities in the Omo Biosphere Reserve and beyond,” he said.

Expressing the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting the project, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, reiterated the state’s support for the project, emphasising the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the region, as contained in the address presented by Dr Abiaga.

Also, the Lead Project Focal Point, Omo Biosphere Reserve, Tayo Oyelowo, expressed optimism that “the training workshop would have a positive impact on the livelihoods of communities in the Omo Biosphere Reserve.”

He said the training would provide beneficiaries with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish and operate biodiversity businesses that support sustainable development and the conservation of natural resources.

The event was attended by focal points of the three project sites, including Tayo Oyelowo (Omo Biosphere Reserve), DCP Rebecca Ikpeme (Oban Biosphere Reserve), and Collina Kambai (Shere Hills Forest Reserve). Also in attendance were Emerald Forest representatives from Osun State, Dayo Ladipo and Dupe Abayomi.

The training is part of the project titled, “Biodiversity Business in Omo Biosphere Reserve, Oban Biosphere Reserve, and Shere Hills Reserve, Nigeria: A Means to Poverty Reduction, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The project is funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, Commonwealth Window.

The programme is expected to positively impact the livelihoods of communities in the Omo Biosphere Reserve by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish and run biodiversity businesses that promote sustainable development and natural resource conservation.