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COP17: African environment ministers unite to tackle eco-crisis – EnviroNews
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African environment ministers have strengthened cooperation, through regional coalitions and harmonised strategies, to address ecological challenges in the continent.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, said this in an interview on the heels of a high -kevel consultation on the Guinean Forest Biome.
The consultation took place at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in Yerevan, Armenia, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The conference, with the theme, “Taking Action for Nature”, brought together ministerial representatives and delegates from several countries to strengthen regional environmental cooperation.
Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Benin Republic and Togo were among countries represented.
Lawal said African countries were leveraging multi-state coalitions to address specific environmental challenges, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable financing across the continent.
He said that the collaboration would equally promote equitable access to financing for conservation initiatives.
The minister said that the meeting provided a strategic platform for networking, strengthening partnerships, sharing experiences and developing a common vision for biodiversity conservation, forest and wildlife protection, ecosystem restoration and sustainable financing.
According to him, participating countries explored opportunities to mobilise resources, strengthen cross-border collaboration and promote community-driven conservation initiatives through collective dialogue and coordinated environmental action.
Lawal said African countries, united by shared environmental challenges and sustainability commitments, were working together to protect their natural heritage and build a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
“We need to move from conservation commitments to measurable action, supported by long-term financing, effective monitoring, strong governance and meaningful community participation,” he said.
He said Nigeria’s leadership in the coalition demonstrated its commitment to biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration and international environmental cooperation while creating opportunities to strengthen initiatives such as the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW).
The minister said protecting nature required more than designating conservation areas, stressing the need for sustained investment, inclusive partnerships and effective action to safeguard biodiversity for present and future generations.
Also speaking, Malam Saleh Abubakar, the Director-General of NAGGW, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable financing.
Abubakar said the session focused on mobilising public and philanthropic financing, strengthening international partnerships, promoting community-led conservation and ensuring the sustainable management of protected areas.
By Abigael Joshua
