Experts advocate efficient resource management

Worried by dwindling fortunes of natural resources, experts have urged Nigerians to preserve the nation’s ecosystem and promote wildlife conservation.

The Chair, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, led the call in an interview with The Guardian in Ibadan, Oyo State. She explained that preserving wildlife is crucial for ecological balance, biodiversity, human’s well-being, and sustainable development in the country.

She said: “Wildlife represents the rich tapestry of life on earth. Preserving biodiversity ensures the survival of diverse species, which can have cascading effects on ecosystems. They play a key role in providing ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control.

“Wildlife tourism and ecotourism generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. A thriving wildlife sector can contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Morenikeji, who doubles as Dean of Faculty of Applied Sciences, KolaDaisi University, said: “Studying wildlife helps advance scientific knowledge and may lead to medical and technological breakthroughs. Many cultures have deep connections to wildlife, and ethical considerations call for the protection of sentient beings and the ecosystems they inhabit.

The Head, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abosede Omonona, said: “To preserve wildlife and environment, the people must be intentional about activities in relation to the environment. Without the environment, we cannot exist. We are part of the environment.

“Most of the environmental problems we have are as a result of human activities such as over exploitation of natural resources with no consideration for the future generations, indiscriminate waste disposal, introduction of alien and invasive species, habitat destruction, deforestation, burning of fossil fuel, pollution of the air, water and soil are some of the problems militating against wildlife conservation and environmental management

On her part, an environmental biologist in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan (UI), Mrs. Jumoke Olowookere, said there must be reduction in the use of chemicals, insecticide, fungicide and pesticide and enforcement of the extant law prohibiting killing of endangered species.

Meanwhile, Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Dr. Joseph Onoja and other experts have identified growing urbanisation and coastal erosion as critical factors affecting eco-tourism development in the country.

They stated this at a lecture organised by the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management of the University of Ibadan. Onoja, said that there was the need for protected areas to promote biodiversity conservation and emphasised that individuals, institutions and corporate organisations must consider conservation areas to harness large areas, as development of urban areas might affect protected areas.

According to him, eco-tourism enhances harmonious human relationship with nature but also constitutes a source of revenue, reducing air pollution and climate change.

In his remark, the Dean Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Prof. Adejoke Akinyele represented by Prof. Emmanuel Ajani, said attention is being shifted to ecotourism.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, represented by the Dean of Social Science, Prof. Oluwadayo Sonibare, said the institution was working towards developing Oba Dam into a tourist centre. He noted that the university had been in the forefront of championing eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation in the country.