The National Park Service (NPS) and Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on biodiversity conservation and tourism sustainability.
A statement signed by the founder of the Foundation, Ms Abigail Olagbaye on Tuesday in Abuja, said the Conservator General of the NPS, Dr Ibrahim Goni, said the partnership would contribute to the diversification of the economy.
“The partnership will provide a platform for the two organisations to rub minds and expound on specific targets and objectives hinged on the advancement of tourism sustainability.
“We hope for positive outcomes and that the two organisations would live up to expectations that will reposition sustainable tourism in Nigeria,” Goni said.
According to Olagbaye, the five-year partnership covers sustainable tourism, eco tourism, climate action, green trade, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, advocacy, training and capacity building, among others.
“Of particular importance is the impact and opportunities this partnership will create for youths, women, communities and MSMEs.
“The National Park Service manages 17 national parks in Nigeria, some of which include Gashaka Gumpti National Park, Old Oyo National Park, Kainji Lake National Park, Kamuku National Park, Okomu National Park etc.
“The partnership comes into effect immediately, just as the foundation unveils some of its advocacy programmes for Nigeria and Africa.
“It aligns its programmes in support of the implementation of global and continental treaties, agreements and frameworks that scale, develop, promote, enhance, protect and sustain tourism development in Nigeria and Africa,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Source: News Agency of Nigeria