The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will launch a regional plan to preserve ecosystems and put a stop to the extinction of wild species. The plan, titled ‘30 by 30’, is in line with a global commitment to expand protected areas to 30% of the planet by 2030. It will support the livelihoods of indigenous people, who play a unique role in protecting biodiversity, increase resilience to climate change and environmental threats, ensure food security for the region and prevent the displacement of rural populations. Speaking to The Cable, Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Environment Iziaq Salako has lauded the plan and its importance for the region: “The healthier our region’s biodiversity is, the better it will be in withstanding future climate and biodiversity shocks and the more resilient to continue to deliver for the people.”
