**Conserving Nigeria's Biodiversity: A Crucial Step Towards Sustainable Growth and Food Security** Nigeria's rich ecological tapestry is a treasure trove of biodiversity, supporting key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, tourism, and industrial development. Experts have emphasized the importance of preserving this natural wealth, not only for the country's environmental health but also for its economic growth and food security. Recently, stakeholders gathered in Abeokuta to launch the Global Environment Facility (GEF-7) Biodiversity Project, aimed at conserving Nigeria's lowland forests and boosting local livelihoods. The project, which involves the National Park Service, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Global Environment Facility, seeks to promote integrated planning, conservation, and sustainable practices in the country's lowland forest mosaic landscape. Nigeria boasts some of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa, hosting over 864 bird species, 117 amphibian species, 203 reptile species, and more than 775 fish species. However, many of these species are threatened due to habitat loss, unsustainable practices, pollution, and climate change. The GEF-7 Biodiversity Project aims to address these challenges through four key components: integrated landscape planning and management, biodiversity conservation and restoration, implementation of sustainable practices and livelihoods, and knowledge management, monitoring, and evaluation. As Prof. Segun Oladoye, the Chief Technical Adviser for the GEF-7 Project, noted, the project will focus on maintaining biodiversity for food and agriculture, promoting the sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems. This initiative has significant implications for Nigeria's food security, as the country's agriculture sector relies heavily on biodiversity. By conserving Nigeria's biodiversity, the country can promote sustainable growth, support local livelihoods, and ensure food security. This is a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and SDG 15 on Life on Land. As Nigeria continues to navigate its developmental challenges, preserving its natural wealth will be essential for a prosperous and sustainable future. In conclusion, the GEF-7 Biodiversity Project is a significant step towards conserving Nigeria's biodiversity and promoting sustainable growth. By supporting integrated planning, conservation, and sustainable practices, the project has the potential to ensure food security, promote economic growth, and protect the country's natural wealth for future generations.