Over the past few decades, the necessity for biological diversity to be maintained for continued human existence has emerged as a critical global issue. As part of this increasing concern, the TETFUND Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (TCEBCEM) bring together wide range of skills and expertise and allow new scope for scientific research on biodiversity that provides a basis for conservation, management and sustainable use of the Nigerian flora and fauna.
The research centre (TCEBCEM) focuses on the management of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable ecosystem monitoring through collaborative research, using scientific findings to advance environmental awareness campaigns and inform decision makers. It also provides a platform for education and research of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty in the related fields of Science, Social science, Arts and Science-based Education courses. Our vision is to expand the knowledge of Nigerian biodiversity, environmental sustainability, leadership and innovation in conservation and evolutionary biology. In the short term, the centre hopes to understand the composition, distribution pattern and possible threats to biodiversity in our immediate environment and develop evidence based management options to ameliorate the threats.
The research centre (TCEBCEM) focuses on the management of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable ecosystem monitoring through collaborative research, using scientific findings to advance environmental awareness campaigns and inform decision makers. It also provides a platform for education and research of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty in the related fields of Science, Social science, Arts and Science-based Education courses. Our vision is to expand the knowledge of Nigerian biodiversity, environmental sustainability, leadership and innovation in conservation and evolutionary biology. In the short term, the centre hopes to understand the composition, distribution pattern and possible threats to biodiversity in our immediate environment and develop evidence based management options to ameliorate the threats.
Research Clusters of TCEBCEM
The research cluster focuses on exploration of the broad diversity of microorganisms in various environments. High-throughput sequencing technologies are employed to profile microbial communities, identify species, their functional genes, and their interaction in diverse environments. The Microbial Diversity and Bioinformatics cluster identifies key microbial taxa that support ecosystem functions, informing strategies to protect and restore habitats in addition to developing bioremediation strategies.
Variety of life in the ocean and seas is critical for sustainable development supporting ecosystem health, human well-being and prosperity. Marine and coastal environments contain diverse habitats and marine life producing oxygen, food and moderating climate change. Resilience indicates the ability of an ecosystem to return to its original state following a disturbance or other perturbation. The Marine Biodiversity, Coastal Management and Resilience research cluster keys into the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) database which is a knowledge management platform serving as a repository of all data and information on the coastal and marine ecosystems.
The research cluster focuses on understanding, developing, and implementing strategies to enhance the resilience of coastal regions against natural and anthropogenic threats. The primary goal is to safeguard coastal ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure through innovative management practices and sustainable development. The key research areas include: climate change impact, ecosystem protection and restoration, sustainable coastal resilience, community engagement and education, policy and governance, and innovative technologies and approaches.
The research cluster aims to address the challenges of ensuring reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all. The cluster focuses on understanding the dynamics of food production, distribution, and consumption while promoting sustainable practices to support resilient and equitable food systems. The key research areas include: food production, supply chain and distribution, nutrition and health, food access and equity, policy and governance, climate change and resilience, and technological approaches.
This research cluster is dedicated to understanding, conserving, and restoring biodiversity on land. The cluster aims to identify the drivers of biodiversity loss, study the impacts of human activities, and develop strategies to protect and enhance terrestrial ecosystems and their invaluable services. The key research areas include: Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring, Habitat Conservation and Restoration, Impacts of Human Activities, Ecosystem Services, Conservation Strategies and Policy, Community Engagement and Education, and Climate Change Adaptation.
This research cluster focuses on developing and implementing strategies to restore degraded ecosystems and sustainably manage natural resources. The primary goal is to enhance ecosystem resilience, improve biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources for present and future generations. The key research areas include: Ecosystem Assessment and Monitoring, Restoration Techniques, Sustainable Resource Management, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Community-Based Management, Policy and Governance, and Biodiversity Conservation.
The research cluster aims to explore the genetic and genomic underpinnings of evolutionary processes. The cluster focuses on understanding how genetic variation contributes to the adaptation and diversification of species, providing insights into the mechanisms driving evolution and informing conservation and medical strategies. The key research areas include: Genetic Variation and Evolution, Genomic Technologies and Approaches, Sustainable Resource Management, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Community-Based Management, Policy and Governance, and Biodiversity Conservation
The Cluster was established and operates under TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (TCEBCEM -https://tcebcem.unilag.edu.ng/) at the University of Lagos as an institutionalized outcome of the Evidence Use in Environmental Policymaking in Nigeria (EUEPiN -https://euepin.unilag.edu.ng/) project. Its focus is on capacity building, generation, co-production, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality environmental evidence to guide decision/policymaking processes in Nigeria, among others.
"Our Motto: Poised for Sustainable Environment"
Our Goal (National & Global)
The goal of the centre is to mitigate critical threats to global biological and cultural diversity by:
- Advancing scientific research in diverse ecosystems;
- Strengthening the application of science to conservation practice and public policy;
- Developing professional, institutional, and community capacity
- Furthering the efforts to heighten public understanding and stewardship of biodiversity.
Our Mission
To promote and coordinate biodiversity research in Nigeria; advance domestic and international research collaboration; integrate biological, biotechnological, ecological, and socio-economical disciplines in pursuit of academic excellence and innovation; and provide the scientific foundation for the conservation, education, and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Our Core Vision
To expand the knowledge of Nigerian biodiversity, entrench environmental sustainability and provide leadership and innovation in conservation and evolutionary biology