The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for adaptive measures to protect arid regions in the northern part of the country where desert encroachment is happening at a fast rate.
The President, Board of Trustees of NCF, Izoma Philip Asiodu, who made the call at its 33rd yearly general meeting held virtually, said that climate change has become the biggest global environmental threat.
According to him, NCF and others have been able to create and carry out several projects and activities as part of efforts to combat climate change, leading to the sustainable management of nature amid the nation’s expanding population and environmental challenges for future generations to enjoy a beautiful habitat.
In his words, “One major milestone achievement of the Foundation in 2021 was the launch of the new Strategic Action Plan (SAP), 2021 to 2025, which is a call to practical action by the foundation as well as all Nigerians across communities. The new NCF SAP, which provides a clear five-year roadmap for the foundation has four key pillars, which are spaces/green recovery Nigeria, species/saving species in peril, climate change/ tackling the climate crisis and partnerships – fostering collaboration with stakeholders.”
Asiodu also called on the authorities to align with the growing number of countries around the world that have demonstrated commitment to stop poaching and illegal trade in wildlife.
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He warned that if careful measures are not taken, Nigeria may soon lose several of its endemic species, including the Ibadan Malimbe, Rock Firefinch and its brood parasite, the Jos/Plateau Indigo-bird, the Anambra Waxbill, the White-throated Monkey, and others.
He added that such fears motivated the foundation to intensify environmental education, which depicts how NCF is passionate about saving species in perils.
Asiodu reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to stepping up efforts and collaborating with other partners to achieve better outcomes and also appealed to members to step up efforts both as individuals and as participants in different organizations in order to transform NCF into a mass membership organization.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
