Lagos, conservationists urge biodiversity preservation

Worried by the adverse effect of human activities on the environment, conservationists have called for intervention to increase biodiversity preservation in the country.

They made the call during the World Environment Day in Lagos. The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tunji Bello, called for action to conserve biodiversity, preserve and protect the earth.

Speaking on, ‘Biodiversity: Time for Nature’, he warned that the environment must not be destroyed for development and survival, rather biodiversity should be preserved because of its wildlife and natural attributes which would attract people to their location.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is willing to collaborate with stakeholders in a meaningful engagement that will bring restoration to wetlands, coastal areas and other biodiversity.

The Technical Director, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Dr. Joseph Onoja, in his presentation on “Engagement of Citizens, CBOs and Private Sectors in Nature Management and Protection”, emphasised that plants and animals are an integral part of the existence of humans and that nature has created a balance for enjoyment and overall wellbeing of humans.

However, he said, human through his activities has interrupted and disrupted that balance. This disruption, he observed has come with its attendant negative consequences making life unbearable for humans, and bringing into existence pandemic disease.

For the Director, Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSED), Lagos State University, Prof. Adeola Animashaun, CoVID-19 has impacted negatively on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He charged Nigerians to do everything possible to preserve nature and avoid the release of carbon monoxide that has continued to impact climate negatively.

Meanwhile, NCF Director General, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, has urged government and other stakeholders to engage in the preservation of wetlands and floodplains as solution against coastal erosion and drought.

Aminu-Kano spoke on the occasion of the World Environment Day organised by the Nigerian Environmental Society, Lagos State Chapter.

He revealed that nature provide certain crucial services to man. Among them are food, feeding, clothes and shelter, environmental education, culture and identity, soil fertility, climate regulation, pollination, habitats, air quality and energy.

According to him, nature provides herbal medicines, which is considered as the best solution to treat diseases. This he stated shows how much of nature human beings need.

The former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Babajide Alo called on the Lagos State government, corporate bodies, and individuals to embrace greening as a way of improving health and wellbeing of the people. He also urged the state government to return and improve on the parks and garden beautification era to provide and make the state more natural.