Assessing Biodiversity Loss and the Challenge of Implementing Nature Conservation Laws in Africa

Ogunniyi, Daniel; Azeta, Angela

Abstract

Despite global multilateral efforts to improve biodiversity conservation, African biodiversity range are increasingly facing existential threats. The Red List of Threatened Species (RLTS) adopted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to protect relevant species is not effectively implemented in many African countries. In this study, we identify the legal mechanisms for protecting biodiversity at regional and national levels, focusing specifically on Liberia and Nigeria. We also identify the specific drivers of biodiversity loss in Sub-Saharan Africa as a framework for formulating context-specific laws. The study highlights the importance of prioritising legislative action reflecting IUCN’s red list of threatened species and the need to develop local solutions to the more contextual challenges. The added relevance of creating specialised agencies to address the crisis of biodiversity loss is also discussed.

Citation

Ogunniyi, D., & Azeta, A. (2024). Assessing Biodiversity Loss and the Challenge of Implementing Nature Conservation Laws in Africa. African Journal of Legal Studies, 16(2), 79-105. https://doi.org/10.1163/17087384-12340103

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 10, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 13, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 17, 2024
• Journal: African Journal of Legal Studies
• Print ISSN: 2210-9730
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 79-105
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/17087384-12340103
• Keywords: Biodiversity; Conservation; Wildlife; Endangered species; Africa; Nigeria; Liberia
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4520420