Environmental Biodiversity and Invasive Species Policy with Tree Tagging Initiative

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Policy Date: June 2023

Policy Reviewed: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Redeemer’s University’s commitment to identifying, monitoring, protecting, and conserving native species of ecological significance, especially those listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Nigerian national conservation list. It also establishes procedures for reducing the ecological impact of alien (non-native) species on campus grounds. A core feature of this policy includes a Tree Tagging Programme to promote conservation awareness, data tracking, and habitat monitoring on the university campus.



Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All natural habitats, green spaces, wooded areas, gardens, and landscape zones within the university campus;
  • All current and future development projects that could impact biodiversity;
  • All academic and non-academic departments participating in environmental stewardship;
  • Conservation-relevant interactions with the surrounding local environment, as appropriate.


Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University recognizes the critical importance of native biodiversity, particularly plant and animal species that are:

  • Listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened under the IUCN Red List;
  • Recognized by Nigerian national environmental agencies as requiring protection.

The University commits to:

  • Conducting baseline biodiversity assessments of university grounds and adjacent ecological zones;
  • Creating and maintaining a register of native species of concern found within the campus;
  • Prioritizing habitat preservation for species identified as conservation-relevant;
  • Avoiding construction or development in zones where listed species or their habitats are found;
  • Involving the university’s academic staff, students, and researchers in monitoring activities;
  • Collaborating with environmental agencies, conservation NGOs, and research institutions for accurate identification and data exchange.


Tree Tagging and Monitoring Initiative

The University commits to:

  • Identify and tag a set of native tree species across campus, with a focus on ecologically or culturally significant species;
  • Prioritize species such as:
    • Afzelia africana (African mahogany)
    • Milicia excelsa (Iroko)
    • Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche / Wawa)
    • Baphia nitida (Camwood / Osun tree)
  • Use weatherproof, numbered tags that include the species name (common and scientific), a unique ID, and QR code (if applicable) linking to an online conservation database or internal portal;
  • Record baseline data for each tagged tree (location, species, age estimate, diameter, health status, date tagged);
  • Monitor each tree at least annually, recording changes in health, presence of invasive threats, and environmental conditions;
  • Encourage the use of tagged trees as educational tools, integrating the programme into courses in biology, environmental science, and sustainability;
  • Maintain a publicly accessible map of all tagged trees and associated data, updated annually by the Environmental Unit.

This initiative reinforces species protection through visibility, documentation, and educational outreach.



Alien Species Impact Reduction

To mitigate the risk posed by alien (non-native) species on biodiversity and ecosystem health, the university will:

  • Identify and document invasive plant species present on campus, with focus on known invasive threats in Osun State (e.g., Tithonia diversifolia);
  • Maintain a digital inventory of invasive species observed on campus, updated at least once per year;
  • Conduct surveys and vegetation assessments to track spread and impact of alien species;
  • Prohibit planting or cultivation of known invasive species in any landscaping or greening activities;
  • Remove alien species where ecologically safe and feasible, prioritizing manual or non-chemical methods;
  • Raise awareness among campus groundskeepers, facilities staff, and students on how to identify and report alien species;
  • Integrate alien species management with ongoing habitat restoration and native species planting.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development): Policy sponsor; ensures alignment with the university’s sustainability vision.
  • Environmental Management Committee: Leads implementation; coordinates surveys, tree tagging, and monitoring.
  • Works Department: Supports operational implementation, tagging logistics, landscape management, and invasive species control.
  • Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences: Provides technical expertise, guides student involvement, and manages biodiversity databases.
  • Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences: Provides technical expertise, guides student involvement, and manages biodiversity databases.

All Staff and Students: Expected to comply with this policy, report alien species sightings, and support conservation activities.



Monitoring and Reporting

  • The Environmental Management Committee shall issue an Annual Biodiversity Monitoring Report, summarizing:
    • Number and condition of tagged trees
    • New or confirmed sightings of IUCN/nationally listed species
    • Spread or control efforts of invasive species
  • Data shall be retained in the university’s environmental data portal and submitted to appropriate national or regional conservation bodies as needed.
  • Monitoring activities will be integrated into academic calendar schedules for field work and assessments.


Training and Awareness

  • Training on species identification, tree tagging, and invasive plant recognition will be provided to:
    • Grounds staff
    • Relevant faculty and research teams
    • Student volunteers and research interns
  • Awareness campaigns (signage, posters, digital platforms) will help communicate the university’s conservation commitments to the wider campus community.


Review and Amendments

This policy shall be reviewed annually or in response to:

  • Updates to IUCN or national conservation lists;
  • Significant changes in university land use;
  • Identification of new species of concern or invasive threats.

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