Protecting the Environment: Nigerian Conservation Foundation Urges Immediate Action against Deforestation, Climate Change
In a recent 35th annual general meeting in Lagos, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) called for urgent action to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The foundation’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, raised the alarm about the consequences of building on flood zones, which he warned could lead to the disappearance of small island places, loss, and damage to lives and properties. “There is a need for urgent action to be taken in protecting the environment through combating deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” he emphasized.
The foundation has recorded successes in planting over 285,000 trees in over 20 states in the country. However, Onoja emphasized that more needed to be done to address the growing environmental challenges. The foundation is also advocating for the use of recycled bottles instead of plastics, which are often dumped in seas and oceans, causing pollution.
The foundation’s Chairman, Justice (Mrs) Raliatu Adebiyi, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable practices, capacity building, advocacy, and policy influence in addressing environmental issues. The Lagos State Government has promised to provide more support to the foundation in pursuing its worthy causes.
In a similar vein, the President of the Board of Trustees, Izoma Asiodu, noted that the 1960 report’s warning about the environmental consequences of the Industrial Revolution was ignored, leading to increased deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions, which have devastating effects on the environment. Asiodu highlighted the foundation’s efforts in reforestation and habitat projects, as well as the management of forest reserves.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s call to action emphasizes the need for immediate and collective effort to protect the environment. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is clear that individual and collective action is required to mitigate its impacts and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
