WWD 2025: UI Chief Conservator, Owolawi Advocates Alternative Vocations for Hunters
The Chief Conservator of the Biodiversity Conservation Club at the University of Ibadan, Mr. Nathaniel Owolawi, has called for the training of families and groups whose main livelihood is hunting, urging the need for alternative occupations to halt the depletion of wildlife in Nigeria.He made this call on the occasion of World Wildlife Day, reflecting on this year’s theme, Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
Owolawi emphasized the importance of investing in hunters, empowering them with starter kits and access to credit facilities, so they can contribute to preserving wildlife for the benefit of both humans and the planet. He stated that any conservation program that neglects the local communities, especially those whose livelihoods are intertwined with wildlife, is bound to fail.
In many African societies, wildlife is deeply ingrained in cultural heritage. For example, in Yoruba culture, names like Odewale and Odegbemi reflect a lineage of hunters whose livelihoods historically depended on wildlife. To expect these communities to abandon hunting without offering viable alternatives is not only impractical but unjust.”
He also highlighted the importance of government investment in providing alternatives such as sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and community-managed wildlife enterprises, which would reduce dependence on activities that harm wildlife populations. Owolawi stressed that when communities see tangible benefits from conservation efforts, whether through job creation, training, or financial support, they are more likely to become active participants in preserving their environment.
Owolawi further pointed out that investing in education and awareness programs is key to helping communities understand the long-term value of biodiversity. Ultimately, he emphasized that the well-being of both humans and wildlife are deeply interconnected. Governments that invest in their citizens are not only protecting wildlife but also securing a sustainable future for both people and the planet.Owolawi noted the efforts of conservation organizations like Africa Nature Investors (ANI) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), which are employing this inclusive approach to tackle conservation challenges in Nigeria.
