11 - Sustainable Enterprise Development: Protection of Endangered Species in Omo and Other Potential Biosphere Reserves

Summary

The authors highlight the conflicts between balancing economic and environmental interest which require a careful balance between competing interests and values. Highlighting successes and problems faced in implementation of CITES, the authors focus on the involvement of local peoples in the implementation of biodiversity-related conventions, penalties for defaulters, and capacity challenges faced by law enforcement to carry out obligations. Experiences with the Omo Forest Reserve and Yankari Game Reserve located in South Western (Ogun State) and North Eastern (Bauchi State) Nigeria respectively are explored as a baseline for other potential biosphere reserves. These reserves contain several populations of globally endangered and near-threatened species from the IUCN Red List and the CITES-listed species. Unfortunately, authors explain, there are high levels of illegal trade in endangered and protected species, coupled with community conflicts. Though conservation efforts have a long history in the country, achievements are not encouraging. The authors argue that implementation of policies has not achieved the desired result of properly conserving the country’s biodiversity, and that applicable laws on wildlife and game management can implemented in an exploitative manner.