Conservationists seek sustainable education on wetland resources

EFFORTS must be made to ensure that wetlands are protected and used in a sustainable way that will ensure their utilization for the wellbeing of people, especially, for food production and provision of clean water.

  The Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Adeniyi Karunwi made this known at the Clean – Up Exercise and Sensitization Progremme, marking 2015 Wetland Day, organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, last week in Lagos.

  Karuwi, who joined the clean-up exercise with staff of Eti-Osa Local government headquarters, Badore, noted that few people realize the numerous services and benefits wetlands provide and their importance for humans and the planet. 

  Speaking on the event  themed Wetlands for our future, Karunwi urged governments at all levels to map out a sensitization programmes capable of educating the populace about the vital role that wetland plays in their lives.

  According to him, a lot of people leave in wetlands, especially in Lagos State and other part of Nigeria, without the understanding of its importance to their existence.  “Because people who live in wetland locations have no other choice is one thing. But it is another thing entirely for them to have the awareness on how to protect and avoid abuse of wetland areas. Hence, the need for the government to be awakening in its responsibilities to make sure that the people that inhabit the wetland take good advantage of what is there. One of the ways of doing it is to make sure that it is clean every time”. 

  NCF Chairman of Scientific Committee, Adegoke Ademiluyi, said: “If our water ways and water are polluted, then it is going to affect the lifestyle of our people. So, we encourage the children who are leaders of tomorrow to understand what we are doing and imbibe this discipline not only on environmental education but also on cleaning the water bodies regularly.”

  Earlier, the traditional ruler of Badore Community, Muraina Jikoji, said the community was happy to have the Nigerian Conservation Foundation  embarking on  developmental work in their area. “We in the community see the great opportunity in protecting our wetland through your assistance in this Clean-Up initiative,” he concluded.