Getting involved in nature conservation

Nature conservation is the term used to describe the protection, preservation, management, and care of earth’s invaluable biological diversity. These resources extend beyond fauna and flora, that is, animals and plants; it also includes soil, forest, rocks, water and even more. All these are as significant as our existence. The need to fight for the conservation of nature has grown through the years, making the appeal for a concerted effort inevitable. For a long while, it has become disturbing to note that many governments across the world have paid lip service to the cause of conserving nature. Very few countries have been at the forefront of ensuring that the needed attitude towards safeguarding our earth and the various aspects of our environment should not be toyed with. It is import; it is pressing. It is mandatory. Our existence depends on it.

Nature is the reflection of everything on earth; it is the fruit of the millions of years through evolution shared by ecological processes and anthropogenic factors. Over the years, nature has contributed to the well-being of humans. It may be surprising but true, that about 70,000 plant species on earth are used in medicine, according to recent ethno-botanical studies.

The sporadic increase in human population to over 7 billion, and their unsympathetic activities has led to the declined population of different species through several unsustainable activities. Activities like falling of trees – without reforestation, needless bush burning, illegal wildlife hunting and trading, burning of fossil fuel among others. All these put together have affected the atmosphere and further depleted the habitat of biodiversity and nature’s hub.

Nigeria, a once nature-loving nation, has in recent times been growing an obnoxious environmental attitude. Even more, we have adapted a large consumption pattern as perceived in our quest to poach and hunt wildlife with no significant regards for posterity. Sometimes, this can be attributed to poverty, illiteracy, public engagement, and unstructured institutional framework resulting in major loss of our forest cover and wet lands which house the largest hub for biodiversity in Nigeria. There are many environmental issues that are currently plaguing Nigeria as a whole. These challenges are multifaceted but as huge as they seem, the possibilities of resolving them are available. The various levels of government must be ready to address them. They must show the political will to do so. Equally, there must a huge awareness process which should be geared towards public enlightenment. This should be taken to the grassroots as it can be found everywhere. The task is herculean but the consequences of not getting it done can be devastating. This is not only daunting but rewarding.

It is the duty of government to enhance, maintain and enforce environmental laws and order at all levels, but it is gloomy to note that the implementation and execution have left much to be desired. Fortunately, global calls of most environmental days this year – 2017 are aimed towards environmental literacy, enlightenment, and advocacy with a major focus on the youths.

This year’s World Earth Day celebrated on April 22 was themed around ‘March for Science’ to promote environmental and climate literacy. World Wildlife Day marked on March 3 was themed ‘Listen to the young voices’. World Environmental Day celebrated June 5 was with the theme ‘Connecting people to nature’. These show the attachment we – youths – are building towards being nature-friendly; not only on social media platforms but into practical aspects around us. This is not only important but it helps to guarantee the depth of our commitment. Generations yet to come will not only benefit from the steps taken to preserve nature but will so be grateful for what has been done.  In the coming years, this new eco-attitude that is being built is expected to yield more positive results and eventually help us adopt a sustainable lifestyle. This is a lifestyle where we respect the reality, that our individual actions as harmless as they seem could have a global upshot. This also is a lifestyle that we can hand-over to those coming behind us with pride. This also is a lifestyle that we are sure the generations unborn will be glad to continue.

We must always bear in mind that we are all part of a web of life. When one individual disappears, others are at risk of disappearing as a result. It is a web that we know includes everyone of us. Preserving nature is ensuring our longevity on earth. All activities that negate this should be jettisoned, pushed away and discouraged. Let’s join hands to foster an environment that gives all but asks for care.

• Somtochukwu writes from Lagos.