Conservation experts in the country have described Biodiversity conservation otherwise known as protection and preservation of the wealth and variety of species, habitats, ecosystems and genetic diversity on the planet as critical to human health, poverty reduction and food security.
The experts spoke recently during an online summit organised by the GIS Konsult Limited to commemorate the 2021 Endangered Species Day tagged, ‘Preserving Biodiversity.’
The Director of National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Dr. Sunday Aladele, who harped on the importance of conservation on the occasion, advised that concerted efforts should be made to conserve vital species for the good of mankind.
Aladele noted that many species of plants and animals had become threatened as a result of industrialised agriculture and unabated tree felling.
He stressed, “Biodiversity does not only include wildlife, it also includes plants of different genetics. Many neglected and underutilised species are getting lost due to the destruction of their habitat, indiscriminate tree felling and other human activities.
“These threatens biodiversity and may contribute to food insecurity and poverty in the future. Many of these species are already extinct without our knowledge. If we are going to avoid future food crisis, the time for us to act is now.”
Citing climate change as a huge challenge, he stressed the need to give priority attention to conservation of threatened crop species, saying, “Many staple crops may not survive into the future due to climate change while the neglected and underutilised crops may be the ones that hold the answer to our future due to their resilience.”
The Project Manager, Lekki Conservation Centre, Mr Ademola Ogunsesan, said that biodiversity conservation was key, not only to food security, but also to national security.
“Many unattended forest reserves are now hideouts for criminals and bandits. This has become a major security challenge for the country. Therefore, investing in conservation projects is very important and will keep away criminal groups from these forests,” he said.
In the same vein, Mr. David Afolayan, Chief Executive Officer, GIS Konsult Limited, urged the citizens to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting threatened and endangered species in the country for sustainable development and for posterity.
Afolayan also stressed the importance of keeping secondary and tertiary institutions’ students aware on conservation of endangered species in the country.
