SustyVibes kicks off bioverse NG project in partnership with German embassy

SustyVibes, a youth-led organisation making sustainability actionable and relatable in Africa has announced the commencement of the Bioverse NG Project, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to empower 200 young Nigerians with a profound understanding of biodiversity and its crucial role in fostering a sustainable planet.

This project represents a resolute commitment to understanding and appreciating our rich biodiversity for its role in sustaining a thriving environment. Through this project, we aim to educate participants about biodiversity and its vital role in maintaining a healthy and thriving planet. Our project entails a 6-week virtual learning workshop, internship placements for 3 participants, regional dialogues, and a national conference that would bring together stakeholders involved in the project, along with government representatives, for a comprehensive dialogue on climate change and biodiversity in Nigeria. Interested young Nigerians should submit their applications on https://sustyvibes.org/bioverse.

“The Bioverse NG project affords us a platform to rejuvenate youth participation and leadership on biodiversity and climate change dialogues in Nigeria. It’s a project for young people by young people, and has been designed to help us build and maintain the agency, optimism, and resilience we need in these times of polycrisis.” Said Jennifer Uchendu, Founder, SustyVibes.

Presently, our planet is facing the largest loss of biodiversity since the industrial age, with approximately one million plant and animal species at risk of extinction. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has issued alarming reports on the dire consequences of this crisis, which affect millions of lives, particularly in vulnerable regions like Nigeria.

Now more than ever, the issue of biodiversity needs to be brought to the forefront and tackled holistically. By emphasising the importance of knowledge dissemination as a crucial player in climate action, SustyVibes, with help from the German Embassy, is committed to realigning the discussion and actions around the environment to environmental conservation and empowering Nigerian youths through Climate and Biodiversity Education.

“The biodiversity crisis affects the climate crisis: changes in biodiversity, i.e. through changes in land use, deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, and pollution, have a negative impact on the climate system. The BIOVERSE NG project allows us to establish cross-connections and synergies between climate and environmental protection, as well as nature conservation. Through the Project, young people can learn and become multipliers in their communities. Germany is committed to working towards a sustainable and green future – this is a priority of our foreign policy.” said Annett Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria.