NCF, LASG harp on cleanliness for sustainable environmental management and ecotourism

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Lagos State Ministry of the Environment has directed Nigerians to take on exercise frequently, embellished with living a clean life to promote sustainable environmental management.

The charge was made at the weekend during a fitness exercise tagged: Walk for Nature at the State House in Marina, Lagos, as part of an annual programme designed to create awareness among the people about nature conservation and good environmental practices in Nigeria.

The state government and NCF put the exercise together, with the theme ‘Cleaner Lagos: The foundation for sustainable ecotourism’. Both, urging participants to imbibe and cultivate good environmental practices for nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.

Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare noted that, by shelving other important tasks to embrace the 2017 Walk for Nature “the Lagos State Government has not only demonstrated understanding of the important role of the environment to human survival but has gone a step further to raise its voice for the conservation of nature’s resources.”

He called for a shift in attitude towards the environment, saying “the growing world population, the mounting pressure on nature’s resources, and the dwindling wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as the implications for our subsistence, have made a shift in attitude towards the environment a necessity.”

The rich ecosystems in Lagos State, which are home to a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals, are under serious threat of extinction from a range of causes, chief of which is the rapid urbanisation that has occurred in the state over the past five decades,” he said.

“We did not have to destroy what was irreplaceable to develop or survive, adding that there was an urgent need to improve on our environment and start taking responsibility for our behavior and the attendant environmental impacts.

“Global climatic events such as flooding, hurricane and landslide have dawned it on us that any development that is not mindful of the environment and its natural heritage is definitely not sustainable.”

Ambode stated that it was the goal of the Lagos State Government to encourage sustainable tourism by taking full account of the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry and host communities because Lagos State had great advantage in nature-based tourism and ecotourism activities.

“The primary aim of our Administration with regard to tourism is to create an enabling environment for the growth of the sector and maximise the benefits of tourism for the development of our State by influencing patterns of visitor flows and behavior,” he stated.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, stated that the event provided another unique opportunity to celebrate the environment and draw people’s attention towards developing and responding efficiently to environmental challenges posed by nature.

He maintained that the major gospel of the day was walking, which was an effective means the government had consistently promoted towards combating health and environmental challenges.

He urged Lagosians to form the habit of walking as such action, improved people’s health.

He stated that, “by this exercise and our continued advocacy programmes, we have seen the emergence of more street joggers and more bicycle riders, who have demonstrated their commitment towards a healthier and fitter citizenry. There is no better proof that our concern for the environment is a worthy one and that our efforts are bearing fruits.”

However, the President, board of Trustees, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Chief Philip Asiodu said “We cannot attract and sustain ecotourism to the metropolitan city of Lagos and its environs if we do not ensure that it has a clean and healthy environment.

“Walk for Nature” is an awareness campaign platform for environmental protection, nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development among the citizenry. Environmental education needs to be promoted at all levels, and even entrenched in school curriculum to enable us emphasize that in all areas of human life, “life is nature and nature is life”.

“The encroachment of man on wildlife habitat, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, mutilation of animal species among other crimes against nature would not have been so blatant if environmental education had been taken seriously at all levels in Nigeria. Replanting of trees after controlled logging would not have been seen as a reprimand and interference from those who are concerned about the environment.

“Nature conservation in our environment would not have been considered burdensome or left to a few people. Climate change would not have become so serious and threatening, if people understood the adverse effects and long-term consequences of man’s insatiable search for development involving destruction of natural assets, even of resources which are renewable by wiser management. This has led to the depletion of Nigeria’s forest cover from 46% at independence to less than 7% at the present.”

“It is in recognition of these environmental challenges that NCF has taken the bold step at coordinating efforts to re-green Nigeria through its formulated programme called “Green Recovery Nigeria” (GRN) Initiative. This programme seeks to recover Nigeria’s forest to at least 25% of its landmass over the next 30 years as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. We call on the support of all Governments, corporate organisations and individual Nigerians towards the recovery of our forests for the future generation.

“NCF, together with Governments at all levels, environment-friendly corporate organisations as represented by our sponsors present here today, and other partners will continue to use every available medium to advocate for a positive change in behaviour towards nature conservation; and the maintenance of a clean and healthy environment, especially in the beautiful city of Lagos; and the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.”

“I therefore enjoin individuals, corporate organisations and governments to keep supporting NCF in its numerous nature conservation and sustainable development projects and programmes. We must canvass more vigorously the Cause of Conservation amongst all our citizens.” he said.