LASG HOLDS WORKSHOP TO MARK WORLD SOIL DAY
… SENSITIZES MINERS ON DANGER OF MINING ACTIVITIES
The Lagos State Government has sensitized sand miners in the State on ways of reducing environmental impact on the soil as part of activities marking the 2016 World Soil Day.
Speaking at the workshop organised by the State Ministry for the Evironment, the Commissioner, Dr Babatunde Adejare said though the activities of the miners were meant to generate money to feed their immediate families, mining activities should not be done to degrade the soil and environment, stressing that the soil plays an essential
role in continued existence of humans on earth.
According to him, “It is essential in the supply of food, clean water and resilience to flood and droughts. It provides living space for human beings as well as being a crucial ecosystem service which is important for militating against climate change and global warming”.
He, however, maintained that in recent times the soil has been adversely affected by erosion, high demand for food, increased population and deforestation.
“Soil degradation is a serious global environmental problem arising from physical, chemical and biological activities, loss of organic matter, decline in soil fertility, erosion, adverse changes in salinity, acidity or alkalinity and the effects of toxic chemicals, pollutants or excessive flooding”, Adejare added.
The Commissioner said restoring soil as a key ecosystem on land and a sustainable use of the soil in urban and rural areas could help us mitigate and adapt to climate change. This could be achieved through adequate awareness and proactive measures on the need to restore the nourishment of the soil.
While restating government’s commitment to tree planting, Adejare urged Lagosians to plant trees to mark the Day as well as to help preserve the soil because human existence is dependent on the availability of trees.
“Trees prevent erosion and help to preserve our soil. We, therefore, advise residents to curb uncontrolled act of tree-felling and make sure to plant trees to replace those removed from vast acres of land; so that we can reduce the unprecedented rate of erosion.”
Dr. Adejare also called on auto mechanics in the State to desist from indiscriminate disposal of spent oil as this could trigger loss of natural nutrients and contaminate underground water, imploring them to patronize companies ready to purchase spent oil for the purpose of recycling.
He stressed that in planning for subsequent editions of the World Soil Day enlightenment programme, efforts would be made to incorporate other Trade Unions /Professional Bodies whose activities impact on the
soil and the environment.
Participants at the 2016 World Soil Day Workshop were drawn from major contributors on environmental matters such as Nigerian Environmental Society, Lagos Sand Miners Association, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Agriculturists amongst others.