A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute

YOHANNA CHRISTOPHER TUMBA CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC LANDMARK REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S PLANTS AND FUNGI 2026

Yohanna Christopher Tumba, a Nigerian agro-ecologist, conservation biologist, and Head of APLORI's Plant Propagation Unit, has been recognized as one of the contributing authors to the internationally acclaimed State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2026 report, a landmark scientific publication bringing together more than 400 scientists from 40 countries across the globe.
Produced through an unprecedented international collaboration, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of the world's plant and fungal diversity. It highlights emerging threats to biodiversity, identifies conservation priorities, and presents evidence-based recommendations for sustainable environmental management and ecosystem restoration.
Tumba's contribution places him among a distinguished network of scientists, botanists, ecologists, conservation practitioners, and environmental experts advancing global understanding of biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.
Speaking on the significance of the achievement, Tumba emphasized the importance of scientific collaborations in addressing the environmental challenges facing humanity.
“Plants and fungi are fundamental to life on Earth. Contributing to this global scientific effort reflects the importance of African ecosystems and indigenous ecological knowledge in shaping sustainable solutions for biodiversity conservation and environmental resilience,” he said.
Over the years, Yohanna Christopher Tumba has distinguished himself through impactful work in agroecology, conservation biology, ecological restoration, indigenous plant propagation, and environmental education. His efforts have included educating communities and schools about sustainable agricultural practices, establishing community nurseries for endangered and threatened plant species, and promoting biodiversity conservation initiatives across local communities.
His participation in this landmark publication further underscores the growing role of African scientists in global environmental research and policy development. It also highlights the increasing recognition of Africa's biodiversity and ecological expertise in shaping international conservation strategies.
The State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2026 report serves as an important scientific resource for governments, conservation organizations, academic institutions, policymakers, and environmental practitioners worldwide. The publication provides critical insights into plant and fungal diversity, extinction risks, ecosystem services, food security, medicinal resources, and strategies for climate adaptation.
As environmental challenges continue to intensify worldwide, contributions from scientists such as Yohanna Christopher Tumba exemplify the critical role of interdisciplinary research, local action, and international cooperation in safeguarding the planet's biological heritage for generations to come.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026: APLORI CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO RESTORE NATURE AND SECURE THE FUTURE
As the world commemorates World Environment Day 2026, the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Centre of Excellence, University of Jos, joins governments, institutions, conservation organizations, and communities across the globe in reaffirming the collective responsibility to protect and restore the environment for present and future generations.
This year's observance comes at a defining moment in human history. Across continents, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly visible and severe. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, destructive floods, declining biodiversity, desertification, pollution, habitat degradation, and unpredictable weather patterns are threatening livelihoods, ecosystems, and the very foundations of sustainable development. These challenges remind us that environmental protection is no longer optional, it is an urgent necessity.
With the 2026 theme, "Restore Our Earth, Embrace Our Future," World Environment Day calls on all sectors of society to take decisive action to restore degraded ecosystems, reduce environmental harm, and build a climate-resilient future. The theme recognizes that a healthy planet is fundamental to human well-being, economic prosperity, and social stability.
For over two decades, APLORI has remained at the forefront of environmental research, biodiversity conservation, and capacity development in Africa. Since its establishment, the institute has played a pioneering role in advancing scientific knowledge on birds, ecosystems, wildlife conservation, habitat management, and environmental sustainability across Nigeria and beyond.
Through extensive field research, APLORI has contributed significantly to understanding the ecology and conservation needs of bird species and their habitats. The institute's work has generated critical data on biodiversity trends, ecosystem health, migratory bird movements, species distribution, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change on wildlife populations. These findings have informed conservation planning, policy development, and environmental management strategies at local, national, and international levels.
Beyond research, APLORI has become a leading centre for training conservation professionals across Africa. Through its postgraduate programmes, specialized workshops, field courses, and international collaborations, the institute has trained hundreds of conservation scientists, environmental managers, ecologists, ornithologists, and natural resource practitioners who are now contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development throughout the continent.
The institute has also worked closely with communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to promote conservation awareness, environmental education, habitat restoration, sustainable land management, and community-based conservation initiatives. These efforts have demonstrated that effective environmental stewardship requires collaboration between science and society.
As climate change continues to threaten ecosystems worldwide, APLORI emphasizes that biodiversity conservation must remain central to climate action. Healthy forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other natural ecosystems serve as powerful carbon sinks, regulate water systems, maintain soil fertility, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems offers one of the most effective and cost-efficient solutions for mitigating climate change while supporting human well-being.
Speaking on the significance of World Environment Day, the Director of APLORI, Professor Adams Chaskda, stressed that environmental sustainability requires a collective commitment from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals.
According to Professor Chaskda:
"The environmental challenges confronting the world today demand urgent and coordinated action. Governments must strengthen environmental policies, enforce conservation laws, invest in renewable energy, and support scientific research that informs sustainable development. The private sector must embrace environmentally responsible practices, reduce pollution, invest in green technologies, and recognize that long-term economic prosperity depends on a healthy environment. Individuals also have an important role to play through responsible consumption, waste reduction, tree planting, environmental advocacy, and support for conservation initiatives. Protecting nature is not the responsibility of a single institution or sector; it is a shared responsibility that requires collective action."
Professor Chaskda further noted that environmental protection is inseparable from human development.
"A habitable environment is the foundation of healthy societies, food security, economic growth, and social stability. Every ecosystem we protect, every tree we plant, every wetland we restore, and every species we conserve contributes to a safer and more sustainable future. The choices we make today will determine the quality of life available to future generations."
While significant environmental challenges remain, there are also reasons for optimism. Around the world, countries are expanding renewable energy systems, restoring degraded landscapes, protecting biodiversity hotspots, promoting sustainable agriculture, and developing innovative climate solutions. These achievements demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible when science, policy, and public engagement work together.
APLORI therefore calls on policymakers, researchers, development partners, educational institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and the private sector to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship. Greater investments are needed in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy development.
The institute also encourages every citizen to become an active participant in environmental protection. Whether through planting trees, reducing waste, conserving water, protecting wildlife habitats, supporting sustainable practices, or participating in community conservation programmes, individual actions collectively make a significant difference.
As we mark World Environment Day 2026, APLORI reaffirms its commitment to advancing scientific research, conservation action, environmental education, and capacity building in support of a sustainable future for Africa and the world.
The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Together, we can restore degraded ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity, strengthen resilience to climate change, and create a future where both people and nature thrive.
Restore Our Earth. Embrace Our Future. The Time to Act Is Now.

Nanlep Kumle
Communications Officer
A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI)
Centre of Excellence, University of Jos

APLORI CALLS FOR STRONGER CONSERVATION ACTIONS AS WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY 2026 IS OBSERVED

As the world marks the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute is calling for stronger collective actions toward protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability.
The call comes as this year’s global theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” emphasizes the critical role communities, institutions, and individuals play in safeguarding the planet’s biological resources for future generations.
Biodiversity, which encompasses the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, genes, and ecosystems that sustain life on Earth, remains essential for food security, climate stability, medicine, clean water, and human survival. However, increasing threats from deforestation, pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and unsustainable human activities continue to place immense pressure on ecosystems worldwide.
Previous publications by APLORI researchers indicate that the growing environmental crisis highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental policies, increased investment in conservation research, and greater public participation in biodiversity protection efforts.
The call, therefore, is for all to know that biodiversity conservation is not solely the responsibility of governments and environmental agencies, but that every individual and community has a role to play through sustainable practices such as tree planting, habitat protection, waste reduction, and support for conservation initiatives.
As a leading conservation research and capacity-building institution in Africa, APLORI continues to advance biodiversity conservation through cutting-edge scientific research and specialized training programmes.
The institute’s commitment to training young conservation scientists has continued to strengthen Africa’s intellectual capacity for response to climate change and biodiversity loss. Protecting biodiversity means protecting humanity itself
The institute therefore urged governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to embrace sustainable environmental practices and support conservation-driven initiatives capable of securing a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future for all.

CELEBRATING A LIFE OF HUMILITY, VISION, AND EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT

Happy Birthday to Dr. Anastasios Paul “Tasso” Leventis CBE, OFR

A remarkable philanthropist, conservation leader, and mentor whose dedication to people, education, agriculture, and biodiversity continues to inspire generations.

Through his quiet generosity and unwavering commitment to capacity building, countless lives and institutions across Africa have been transformed.

Thank you for your sacrifices, your leadership, and your enduring investment in a better future for humanity and nature.

Happy Birthday, Sir. Wishing you many more years of strength, wisdom, and impact.

A.P. LEVENTIS ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE MARKS WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY, CALLS FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN BIRD CONSERVATION

The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) Centre of Excellence today joined the global community in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day under the theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter.” The 2026 campaign highlights the critical role of community science in conserving migratory birds and protecting their habitats across the world.

The global awareness campaign celebrates millions of bird enthusiasts, volunteers, researchers, and nature lovers whose observations and participation in monitoring programmes continue to shape bird conservation efforts worldwide. From simple backyard sightings to organized bird counts and coordinated monitoring programmes, public participation provides scientists with valuable data used to track population trends, identify emerging threats, and guide conservation measures at local, national, and international levels.

As part of its contribution to the campaign, the institute highlighted the importance of public participation in bird monitoring through the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project, a citizen science initiative that encourages individuals and communities to observe, document, and share bird sightings across Nigeria. The project contributes valuable data used in understanding bird distribution, migration patterns, and habitat changes.

The Director, APLORI Professor Adams Chaskda expressed concern over the increasing destruction of natural habitats available to birds caused by deforestation, and other unsustainable human activities. He emphasized that migratory birds travel across regions and countries in search of suitable environments necessary for their survival and some cases breeding areas.

Professor Chaskda called on individuals, communities, organizations, and government agencies to intensify efforts toward environmental conservation through tree planting and sustainable environmental practices.
“Protecting the environment means protecting the future of our birds and biodiversity. We must all play a role in restoring habitats and safeguarding ecosystems for migratory birds and other wildlife,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Manager Nigerian Bird Atlas Project and the Deputy Director APLORI, Centre of Excellence, Dr. Talatu Tende encouraged citizens, especially young people and local communities, to embrace birdwatching and actively participate in sharing bird observation data using the BirdLasser mobile app .

According to her, every observation made by citizens contributes significantly to scientific research and conservation planning.
“Birdwatching is not only a recreational activity; it is an important tool for conservation. When citizens observe birds and share their data, they help researchers monitor species populations, migration routes, and environmental changes. Every bird counts, and every observation matters,” she said.

The institute further noted that public bird counts and monitoring programmes have become increasingly important tools in conservation planning, especially in the face of climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and illegal hunting, all of which continue to threaten migratory bird species globally.

The campaign encourages schools, communities, conservation groups, and individuals to actively participate in birdwatching activities, awareness campaigns, and citizen science platforms that collect bird observation data. These efforts not only strengthen scientific research but also foster environmental awareness and appreciation for nature.

APLORI reiterates its commitment to promoting research, conservation education, and community engagement toward the protection of birds and their habitats in Nigeria and beyond.

The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Centre of Excellence is a leading ornithological research and conservation institute dedicated to advancing bird research, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement for conservation in Nigeria and across Africa.

APLORI'S NEWSLETTER VOL.13

The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI)

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS 2026: APLORI CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO PROTECT FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

Every year on 21 March, the global community observes the International Day of Forests, a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the critical importance of forests and trees to environmental sustainability and human well-being. The 2026 theme, “Forests and Economies,” highlights the essential role forests play in supporting livelihoods, strengthening agricultural systems, sustaining watersheds, and contributing to national and community prosperity.
Forests remain indispensable for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, water protection, and the provision of vital resources such as food and medicinal plants. They are also central to nature-based solutions that support a low-carbon future through processes such as carbon sequestration.
Marking the occasion, the Director of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Professor Adams Chaskda, emphasized the continued protection of forests such as the Amurum Forest located in Laminga village, Jos East local government area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The reserve plays significant ecological and economic values. For example, it harbours pollinators that enhances the pollination of fruiting plants both within and around the reserve. This way, the Key Biodiversity Area, serves as a major source habitat for such vital organisms that are valuable to agricultural landscapes and by implication to businesses in this sector.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Head of Plant Propagation at APLORI, Christopher Tumba, stressed the importance of community participation in forest protection. He encouraged communities living around forest reserves to recognize the long-term benefits of forests and support efforts to prevent encroachment and indiscriminate tree cutting. He further called on government institutions and traditional authorities to strengthen public awareness and promote responsible stewardship of forest resources for future generations.
As part of the 2026 observance, APLORI reiterates a simple but powerful message:
Plant a tree, protect existing forests, and support sustainable forest management. These actions remain essential for preserving biodiversity, strengthening local economies, and safeguarding environmental stability for posterity.

Nanlep Kumle
Senior Communications Officer
APLORI