Integrated Centre for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watersheds

Philosophy & Objectives

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The Integrated Center for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watersheds (ICBCW) at the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State Nigeria, approved by Senate on April 27, 2016 is an international center of excellence dedicated to research, training/education, project executions in the areas of Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Development and Watersheds Restoration and Protection with special focus on the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Center was established in December 2015 following Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into by Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian River and Niger Delta University Bayelsa State Nigeria.

 

ICBCW is established by Foundation for Conservation of Niger Rivers and Niger Delta University and hosted by Niger Delta University under long standing Memorandum of Understanding.

 

ICBCW is based temporarily in a single main office at Niger Delta University University with excellent geographical links to the rest of our Niger Delta operations area. Our staff can call upon the ICBCW network of “Expert Advisors” to provide further expertise, aditional capacity and support for detained or complex activities and to provide experienced multidisciplinary teams when required

 

The Centre which shall be jointly managed by a Governing Board made up from both participating parties (FCNR and NDU) and the processes will be at three levels. At the Institutional level, the Academic Board is responsible for the development of ICBCW’s education policies, guidelines, structure and regulations. At the programme level, the programmes Committees have overall responsibility for scientific rigor and administrative efficiency and they report annually to the Academic Board. Finally at the Course level, Programme Coordinators are responsible for the day-to-day organization of courses and for supervision of contributions af all lecturers. They report to the programmes committees.

 

The day-to-day running of the centre is carried out by the representatives of the Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers and Niger Delta University

 

PROJECT OUTLETS
It is believed that the product of the Center exposed to the global knowledge of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Watersheds can support the human resources needs/requirements of such relevant organizations of governments and corperate bodies and institutions; as technical staff, to facilitate both global and regional development. Selected, competent staffs of the University/ Universities/research centres and private firms are to teach in the programme.

 

PHILOSOPHY
The Philosophy of the Center is to build capacity in Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watersheds in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria through teaching, research and community development activities.

 

VISION
A Center of excellence in Africa continent in Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watershed research and development

 

MISSION
To reverse further degradation of Niger Delta Ecosystems and address the existing ecological problems by working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders through action oriented research, education and training

 

OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the Center are as follows;

  • To provide teaching and research activities in the designated three core areas;
  • Develop academic programmes for Ph.D, MSc and Diplomas in Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Watersheds;
  • Development and integration of River Basin Management to be co-ordinated by FCNR/UNESCO-RC-IRBM Partnership and Niger Delta University;
  • Organize seminars, workshops and short courses in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Integrated River Basin Management and other sustainable development trajectories

 

OUR VALUES

  • ICBCW is passionate about Niger Delta Ecosystem
  • ICBCW promotes the values of the Niger Delta Ecosystems, her function and beauty
  • ICBCW believes in the collation and evaluation of evidence and information to foster innovation and to promote best -practice and excellence
  • ICBCW prides herself on the quality of the research education and technical advice she provides.
  • ICBCW prides herself on the quality of the research education and technical advice she provides.

 

NOTES
ICBCW – The Integrated Center for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watersheds
FCMR – Foundation For Conservation of Nigerian Rivers
UNESCO- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
IRBM – Integrated for River Basin Management
NDU – Niger Delta University
RC – Regional Center
UNESCO-RC-IRBM – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Basin Management

Administration

ICBCW ORGANIZATIONAL/ GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

ICBCW has permanent and fixed term contract staff. The staff report to a governing board of around ten directors with broad range of experience and expertise from financial, learning and development, climate change and development, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, watershed restoration and applied research. Our Advisory committee is formed of our statutory agency and conservation body core- funder representatives. Our technical team is made of experts from within and outside Niger Delta University and responsible for delivering the core services of the center.

ICBCW GOVERNING BOARD
Prof. O.A Afolabi, O.O.N, CFR Chairman
Prof. H. A Ogoni Member
Prof. A. Chidi Ibe (FAS) Member
Kasim Bayero Member
Engr. (Dcn) A. Abolarin Member
Mr. Aneliefo A. Nzegwu Member
Dr. (Mrs.) Miriam Isoun Member
Prof. A. J. Aloagoa Member
Hon. Vincent Uduaghan Member
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce Member
Dr. Matthew Dore Member

Programmes

ICBCW’S BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION
The ICBCW’s Biodiversity and Conservation programme’s mission is to mitigate critical threats to global biological and cultural diversity in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by:

  • advancing scientific research in diverse ecosystems;
  • strengthening the application of science to conservation practice and public policy;
  • developing professional, institutional, and community capacity; and
  • Furthering the ICBCW’s efforts to heighten public understanding and stewardship of biodiversity,

The center transforms knowledge – from diverse sources and perspectives, spanning areas of scientific research as well as traditional and local knowledge – into conservation action, We collaborate with both and international partners around the world to increase local and global capacity to address the loss of biological and cultural diversity. Convening professionals, institutions, and communities, we foster connections among practitioners to catalyze conservation on the ground. The programs we develop span the full cycle of conservation action – from identifying needs to project implementation to adapting and broadcasting lessons learned – and serve as models for other organizations

The term biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it. Biodiversity includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered, but every living thing.

ACTIVITIES/ AREA OF EXPERTISE
These include;

  • Research and awareness creation
  • Annual Symposia on Biodiversity. The ICBCW host annual symposia invite scientists, proffessionals, educators, decision makers, and members of the general public to explore an issue related to Biodiversity
  • Training/Education (Doctorate, Master, Diploma and certificate courses)
  • Establishment of Zoological and botanical gardens including herbarium museum
  • Establishment of biodiversity clubs in schools
  • Establishment of Niger Delta Biodiversity Baseline information report

AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES
ICBCW’s offers the following programmes in Biodiversity and Conservation on full-time and part-time basis

  • Graduate Diploma
  • MSc.

 

PROGRAMME DURATION

  • Graduate Diploma
    • Full Time – 1 year
    • Part Time – 2 years
  • MSc.
    • Full Time – 18 months
    • Part Time – 36 months

 

 

ICBCW’S WATERSHEDS PROGRAMME

 

INTRODUCTION
The Watershed/River Basin Management’s mission is to protect, restore, and enhance Niger Delta’s streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and bays. The ICBCW at Niger Delta University will create reliable solutions and collaboration for responsible land and water management so that every community has clean water and healthy natural resources to sustain divers life.The ICBW vision is a Niger Delta that has significant improved the ecological and hydrological conditions of its degraded water bodies and has stemmed further degradation of clean water and healthy watersheds. We believe healthy rivers and watersheds are essential pre-requisites for survival of life on earth. the ICBCW envisions:

  • Niger Delta’s communities investing in infrasture changes that are reflective of the environmental, economic and social benefits of watershed protection, restoration and enhancement.
  • Land development occurring with minimal impact to water resources
  • Individuals taking tangible steps to improve their local watersheds
  • A network of watershed practitioners building a regional movement towards a watershed approach

So that every communities in Niger Delta have clean drinking water, fishable and swimmable waters that support diverse life. Our vision is built upon our unique ability to advance, synthesize and widely disseminate watershed science by translating this knowledge into practical tools and techniques. Through our collaborative spirit and ability to integrate multiple disciplines, jurisdictions,and issues into a comprehensive watershed approach, we endeavour to lead the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in the development and implementation of the most effective storm water and watershed management practices.ICBCW fosters responsible land and water management through applied research, direct assistance to communities, training, and access to a network of experienced professionals

ACTIVITIES/ AREA OF EXPERTISE

  • Research
    The ICBCW conducts applied research to better understand the influence of land use activities on the health of our water resources and develop best practices to prevent and mitigate these impacts. This research provides the technical and scientific foundation to support all of our other work. Our strength lies in translating science into practical guidance of policy makers, scientists and other professionals. As regional experts in storm water and watershed issues, and encourage policy makers, scientists and funders to direct resources and attention to them.
  • Watershed & Storm Water Services
    The ICBCW works directly with state and local governments, watershed organizations, environmental consultants and other clients to assist them with their watershed and storm water management needs. Services provided include;
    Storm water design manual development, Code and ordinance review, Watershed assessment and plan development, Storm water program and regulation development, Regulatory compliance .Modelling, IS (Geographical Information Systems), Green infrastructure design and implementation, Illicit discharge surveys and program support, Storm water retrofit surveys, Local program audits, Community forestry projects, Stakeholder meetings and public outreach
  • Training/Education
    Watershed and storm water professionals face ever-increasing regulatory requirements, prompting a need for more staff, more technical expertise, and more resources.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES
ICBCW offers the following courses in Integrated Water Resources Management on part time and full time basis

  • Graduate Diploma
  • MSc.

PROGRAMME DURATION

  • Graduate Diploma
    • Full Time – 1 year
    • Part Time – 2 years
  • MSc.
    • Full Time – 18 months
    • Part Time – 36 months
ICBCW’S CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMME

 

INTRODUCTION
The ICBCW’s Climate Impacts and Adaptation programme at NDU is dedicated to assisting communities and sectors adapt to climate change through the provision of climate science and adaptation tools. The programme is also a resource hub for researchers and stakeholders searching for activities, events and resources on climate change impacts and adaptation.Climate change is expected to impact Niger Delta in many ways. Understanding these impacts and how we are vulnerable to climate change will determine how we address expected changes. Adaptation involves taking action to minimize the risks, take advantages of opportunities and ultimately increase resilience to the negative impacts associated with climate change

Expected impacts of climate change in Niger Delta Region include;

  • increases in heat-days combined with poor air quality and its adverse affects on human health;
  • decreases in surface water levels;
  • increased risk to the mangrove forest as a result of drought, pests and fire;
  • Extreme precipitation events causing (flash) flooding;
  • Damage due to both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.

ACTIVITIES/ AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Within the region of Niger Delta ICBCW aim is to effectively communicate the science of climate change (including current and future impacts); encourage the development and implementation of adaptation strategies in order to reduce climate vulnerability and increase resilience; develop tools to assist with adaptation; and create and foster partnerships with stakeholder groups to advance adaptation. ICBCW shall develop and deliver climate change impacts and adaptation resources throghout the Niger Delta region. The programme also strives to create new relationships with different agencies qand institutions to facilitate and enhance adaptation planning through mainstreaming of vlimate change into decision-making processes. ICBCW shall develop and deliver climate change impacts and adaptation resources throughout the Niger Delta region. The programme also strives to create new relationships with different agencies and institutions to facilitate and enhance adaptation planning through mainstreaming of climate change into decision-making processes.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES

  • Graduate Diploma
  • MSc.

PROGRAMME DURATION

  • Graduate Diploma
    • Full Time – 1 year
    • Part Time – 2 years
  • MSc.
    • Full Time – 18 months
    • Part Time – 36 months

Admission Requirements

Candidates for any of the programmes (Post Graduate Diploma or M.Sc.) in Biodiversity and Conservation, Watersheds and Climate Change must have the following qualifications:

  • A second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in any of the following disciplines;
    • Natural Sciences
    • Engineering
    • Agricultural Science
    • Geography
    • Education
    • Social Sciences
  • Relevant work experience
  • May be invited for interview for selection

Contact

CONTACT ADDRESS

Director,
ICBW,
Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island,
Nigeria.