Conservation Activities

We were privileged to have received the support of the UNDP GEF-SDP to carry out our conservation efforts in Northern Nigeria. We have highlighted major milestones and will continue share

Project Number: NGA/SGP/OP6/Y4/STAR/BD/20/47
Project Name: Conservation and Livelihood Improvement of Women through Shea Tree Value-Chain Development (She(a) Matters) Type of project (Focal Area): Community landscape/seascape conservation, CSO/Community-Government Dialogue Platform and Social Inclusion (gender, youth, indigenous people)
Donor: Global Environment Facility - Small Grants Project
Grant Recipient: Shea Integrated Global Foundation (SIGF)
Type of organization (NGO/CBO/IP): NGO
Project Director: Priscilla Akapson Nwosu
Grant Recipient Address : Abuja
Location of Project: Arikiya, Lafia East Local Government, Nasarawa State
As originally proposed: Project Start Date 3 November 2022      End Date 3 October 2023

MILESTONES

Conservation target: 1,000 ha. Achieved 1,604 ha (160% above target). This contributes significantly to the fight against climate change by enhancing the natural processes that regulate the earth’s climate.

  • Promotes enhanced biodiversity: larger areas of conserved land support greater biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem resilience and the ability to adapt to climate change.

  • Increased carbon sequestration: more trees, and vegetation does absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect.

  • Research and Education: Larger conserved areas offer more opportunities for research and education on sustainable practices and climate change mitigation.

  • Habitat Protection: We are protecting more habitat, thus reducing the negative impact of climate change on wildlife, We expect it to be sustained and lead to the survival of various species.

·220, the number of women empowered for a cleaner future. 220 homes received LPG cylinders distributed through 220 female participants in the program. This initiative:

  • Provided a cleaner and safer cooking fuel source.

  • Reduced reliance on wood fuels sourced through tree felling, thus directly combating deforestation.

  • Fostering a more sustainable future by creating income opportunities from the conserved trees is a direct promotion of their role in environmental protection.

208,553, the number of trees conserved, exceeding the 150,000-project target by 39.03%. By exceeding the conservation target by such a significant margin, the positive impact on climate change is substantial, contributing to the global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and maintain ecological balance.

  • Increased Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and with more trees conserved, the amount of CO2 sequestered increases. This helps to mitigate the Greenhouse effect and combat global warming.

  • Enhanced Biodiversity: More trees mean more habitats for various species, which leads to increased biodiversity. A diverse ecosystem is more resilient to climate change and can adapt better to environmental shifts.

  • Ecosystem Services:  Trees provide essential services such as water filtration, air purification, and soil stabilization. With more trees conserved, these benefits are amplified, contributing to a healthier environment.

  • Climate Regulation: Forests play a crucial role in regulating climate by maintaining local humidity levels and rainfall patterns. An increase in tree conservation helps maintain these vital climatic conditions.

  • Reduced Soil Erosion: Trees help to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots. This is particularly important in preventing landslides and other forms of land degradation that can be exacerbated by climate change.

  • Natural Cooling: In urban areas, trees contribute to reducing the heat island effect by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through transpiration, leading to cooler temperatures

220 women Trained in sustainable organic practices as part of the conservation and sustainability program, thus achieving organic certification through one of the buying partners, P.R.I. Global Ventures Limited. This Ecocert issued organic certification to P.R.I on the back of this project can have a positive impact on both climate change mitigation and the socio-economic status of women in the long run. It also directly fosters a sustainable approach to agriculture that benefits the environment, the economy, and the country at large:

  • Economic Benefits: The women trained in organic farming were linked directly to P.R.I. Global Limited as offtakers of their organic products. This will ensure fair (higher) wages, a steady, sustainable market, and certainly improve their livelihoods and economic status.

  • Environmental Impact: Sustainable organic practices help maintain soil health, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and promote biodiversity. This leads to a healthier ecosystem capable of better carbon sequestration, which is crucial in combating climate change.

  • Community Resilience: the women trained in sustainable practices can contribute to building the community resilience against climate change. They can implement and share knowledge on adaptation strategies that protect and enhance local ecosystems. Indeed, they have coopted women in 5 additional communities. And these women want to join the program.

  • Certification and Trust: The Ecocert certification assures consumers of the organic quality of the products. It ensures transparency and traceability in the supply chain, which is increasingly important to consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases.

300, is the number of beehives deployed to the conserved area. This is an unintended outcome, brought about through an additional partnership with Koster Kunenin Europe as a result of the conservation and organic certification. Bees have a significant impact on climate change mitigation through their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, particularly in grasslands.

  • Seed Production: Bees are essential for pollinating flowering plants, which leads to seed production. This is crucial for the diversity of plant species in various ecosystems, including Arikiya.

  • Grassland Health: Bees help keep grasslands healthy, which are important for a stable climate. Grasslands with a variety of wildflower species and flowering shrubs have deep-rooted plants that can sequester carbon deep in the soil. The conservation site has more than 67,000 shrubs.

  • Biodiversity: by ensuring the production of flowering plants, bees support biodiversity. This is a key to resilience against climate change, as it allows ecosystems to better withstand and adapt to changing conditions.

  • Food Security: Bees ’pollination services are vital for many crops and wild plants, which contribute to food security. Healthy plant populations result in better carbon sequestration, thus aiding in climate change mitigation.

  • Ecosystem services: it is invaluable for the health of the plant. Their pollination helps maintain the balance of ecosystems, which in turn affects global climate.

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