Ekiti Biodiversity Project Rewards Citizen Scientist, Promotes Conservation Through Community Engagement
The Ekiti Biodiversity Survey Project has taken a significant step in its mission to foster environmental awareness and conservation as it held a prize presentation ceremony at the palace of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti on Tuesday.
The event, which celebrated outstanding contributions to citizen science, particularly through the iNaturalist app, highlighted the increasing role of community-led initiatives in environmental protection across the state.
Mr. Ajayi Shadrach, popularly known as Akata, emerged as the top contributor with the highest number of biodiversity observations from the Ikere community on iNaturalist. In recognition of his efforts, he received the environmental publication “The Last Ice“, presented by His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti. He also received a branded t-shirt from Mr. Olatilu Oluwabunmi, co-founder of the Green to Abundant Development & Empowerment Foundation (GADEF).
As part of the initiative’s commitment to reforestation, over 20 indigenous tree seedlings were donated to the Olosunta community protected area by Dr. Babajide Agboola, the initiator of the Ekiti Biodiversity Survey Project.
The seedlings are expected to bolster local conservation efforts and contribute to the restoration of native tree cover.
The initiator of the Ekiti Biodiversity Survey Project, Dr. Agboola noted that citizen science tools like iNaturalist are helping to bridge knowledge gaps, encourage local participation in environmental monitoring, and stimulate interest in nature-based solutions.
The Ekiti Biodiversity Survey Project, launched to promote the documentation and protection of native flora and fauna, continues to engage communities across the state in biodiversity awareness and action.
Watch highlights from the event here
