Experts in renewable energy have said that effective management and use of natural resources is pivotal to attaining sustainable development.
They spoke at a five-day hybrid conference organised by the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Postgraduate College of the University of Ibadan (UI), themed: Renewable Natural Resources Management and Use: A path to Sustainable Development.
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, Kenya, Prof. Labode Popoola, said renewable natural resources were not infinite, submitting that when managed wisely, they regenerate and continue to provide essential goods and ecosystem services that sustain human life and economic growth.
The former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University said that renewable natural resources were central to six transformations: education, gender and inequality; health, wellbeing and democracy; energy decarbonisation and sustainable industry; sustainable food, land, water, and oceans; sustainable cities and communities; and digital revolution for sustainable development.
The Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan urged researchers to collaborate with a broad spectrum of actors, including multinational corporations, local governments, regional and international institutions, and civil society organisations.
He urged the government to integrate policies that promote the sustainable use and stewardship of renewable resources, invest in innovation, science and capacity building, support circular and inclusive green economies, promote sustainable production and consumption, as well as integrate renewable resources into the global sustainability agenda, strengthen sustainability education and research.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the path to sustainable development was paved with the wise management of renewable natural resources.
The VC pointed out that Nigeria and Africa’s rich endowment of natural resources formed the bedrock of economies, cultures, and ecosystems.
He asserted that sustainable management and innovative use of renewable natural resources are not optional ideas but the only viable path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Dean of the faculty, Prof. Adejoke Akinyele, said the conference tagged “Renewable 2025” provided a vital platform for scientists, foresters, wildlife experts, extension workers, trainers, fishery professionals, government officials, NGOs and other stakeholders to share their research, challenges and forge meaningful collaborations.
On his part, Prof. Abiodun Oluwadare of the Forest Production and Product Department of the university, said the programme underscores the importance of the environment, climate change, and renewable resources management in achieving sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Country Representative of World Fish in Nigeria, Sunil Sriwadana, lauded the initiative for its focus on renewable resources management.
The Conservator of the Old Oyo National Park, Teslim Kareem, called for the protection of the environment for sustainable development.
