The importance of biodiversity in the face of climate change

BY ADEBOLA OLADOSU

Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health, stability, and vital services supporting human well-being. In Nigeria, climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, which in turn affects the resilience of ecosystems and the services they provide. This critical analysis examines the importance of biodiversity in mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria, supported by relevant statistics. It explores the threats to biodiversity and the necessary conservation strategies.

Biodiversity underpins numerous ecosystem services critical to human survival and economic activities. These services include pollination, water purification, soil fertility, and climate regulation. Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including its forests, wetlands, and savannas, is crucial in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) highlights that Nigeria’s forests sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thus mitigating climate change. Forests in Nigeria, such as the Cross River Rainforest, are estimated to sequester millions of tonnes of CO2 annually.

Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. A diverse array of species ensures that ecological functions are maintained even if some species are lost or their populations decline. This resilience is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. For instance, Nigeria’s mangrove forests provide coastal protection against storm surges and erosion, which are expected to increase with rising sea levels and more frequent storms. The World Bank estimates that mangroves reduce wave heights by 66%, highlighting their importance in protecting coastal communities.

Climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss through habitat destruction and species extinction. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events alter habitats and disrupt ecosystems. Nigeria is home to several endangered species, including the Cross River gorilla and the Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee, which face increased threats from climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that habitat loss and climate change are significant threats to these species, pushing them closer to extinction.

Climate change forces many species to shift their geographical ranges and alter their life cycle events (phenology) to survive. These changes can lead to mismatches in ecological interactions, such as pollinators emerging before or after the plants they pollinate. In Nigeria, changes in the timing of rainy seasons affect agricultural cycles and the availability of food for wildlife. A study by the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) found that altered rainfall patterns have led to shifts in the distribution of certain bird species, which can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.

Biodiverse ecosystems, particularly forests and wetlands, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Nigeria’s wetlands, including the Niger Delta, are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, storing large amounts of carbon. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands estimates that wetlands sequester carbon at a rate of 0.4-0.9 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year globally, underscoring their importance in climate regulation. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems in Nigeria can significantly mitigate climate change.

Biodiversity also supports ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, which help human communities adapt to climate change. Healthy ecosystems can reduce the impact of climate-related hazards such as floods, storm surges, and droughts. Nigeria’s wetlands, for example, act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood risks. The NCF emphasizes that wetlands provide valuable services, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for fish and wildlife, which are essential for the livelihoods of local communities.

Establishing and effectively managing protected areas is a key strategy for conserving biodiversity. Nigeria has several protected areas, including national parks and wildlife reserves, covering approximately 6% of the country’s land area. However, the quality of protection varies, and many areas are not effectively managed. Expanding protected areas and ensuring they are connected through ecological networks can help species migrate and adapt to changing conditions. The Nigerian National Parks Service (NNPS) aims to enhance the management of existing parks and establish new protected areas to safeguard biodiversity.

Restoring degraded ecosystems and sustainably managing natural resources are essential for maintaining biodiversity. Initiatives like the Great Green Wall, which aims to combat desertification and restore degraded land in the Sahel region, including northern Nigeria, are crucial. The project involves planting trees and implementing sustainable land management practices, which enhance biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration. Sustainable management practices, such as agroforestry and sustainable fisheries, integrate conservation with economic benefits and can improve the resilience of local communities to climate change.

Integrating biodiversity conservation into climate change policies and vice versa can enhance the effectiveness of both. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) advocate for synergistic approaches that address both biodiversity loss and climate change. For instance, Nigeria’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) emphasises the importance of conserving biodiversity to enhance ecosystem resilience and support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Biodiversity is a vital asset in the fight against climate change, enhancing ecosystem resilience, providing critical ecosystem services, and supporting climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. However, biodiversity in Nigeria is under severe threat from climate change and other human activities, necessitating urgent and concerted conservation efforts. Protecting and restoring biodiverse ecosystems, expanding protected areas, and integrating biodiversity into climate policies are essential strategies for ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.

The intertwined fate of biodiversity and climate change underscores the need for a holistic approach to environmental conservation and climate action. Immediate and sustained efforts are crucial to safeguard biodiversity and, by extension, the health and well-being of human societies in Nigeria.

Oladosu is an environmental journalist and a postgraduate student of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).