By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations and the Federal Government have called for stronger partnerships to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods, highlighting the link between environmental conservation and human wellbeing.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, represented by UNICEF representative Wafaa Saeed, made the call at the #BeWildForNature Youth Network event commemorating 2026 World Wildlife Day in Abuja.
The event, organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is themed “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.
Fall said the observance underscored the inseparable relationship between human wellbeing and the environment.
“Healthy ecosystems are critical to societal stability, economic growth, and future sustainability,” he said.
Highlighting the theme, the UN official said medicinal plants serve as a primary healthcare source for millions in Nigeria and globally, while representing indigenous knowledge systems and supporting local economies.
He warned that these vital resources face threats from biodiversity loss, unsustainable harvesting, climate change, and environmental degradation.
“Protecting medicinal and aromatic plants is not only a conservation priority but also a development imperative,” he said.
Fall noted that biodiversity conservation directly contributes to key Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and wellbeing, climate action, life below water, life on land, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
He emphasised that environmental protection and development are mutually reinforcing, calling for collaboration across government, UN agencies, civil society, researchers, traditional practitioners, and youth groups.
“No single institution can tackle biodiversity loss alone. Progress depends on collaboration that integrates policy, science, community knowledge and innovation,” he said.
He commended the leadership of young Nigerians under the #BeWildForNature initiative.
“Youth engagement demonstrates that environmental stewardship can be sustained and reimagined to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“Empowering youth leadership is essential to building inclusive, locally driven, and future-oriented solutions”.
Earlier, Rep. Terseer Ugbor urged increased public awareness for effective wildlife protection, stressing that the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill must be understood by all to succeed.
Ugbor noted that since the law is still awaiting presidential assent, many Nigerians remain unaware of which wildlife species are endangered.
He said massive public education campaigns would follow to inform citizens about their responsibilities in protecting forests, animals, and other resources.
He emphasised that community engagement is critical for conservation to translate into tangible protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“Awareness is the first step toward meaningful action,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
