LASG EXPRESSES DETERMINATION TO REDUCE DECLINE OF WETLAND, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

The Lagos State Government over the weekend expressed determination towards reducing the decline of wetlands and biodiversity conservation brought about by indiscriminate destruction of natural wetlands for housing/industrial developments resulting from increased population and technological advancement.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of The Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye disclosed this at a press briefing to herald the commencement of the 2019 Youth Outreach Ecotourism Programme on Wetland and Biodiversity Conservation.

He explained that the programme organised for  Lagos State Secondary Schools will have 14 pupils, comprising two representatives from each of the six educational districts as well as two from the private and missionary schools, traversing various wetland locations and other conservation sites in the State over a period of eight days.

Bamgboye, who maintained that the selected students were chosen after a very rigorous screening exercise, stated that this year’s theme: “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’’ is aimed at educating the general public about human values towards a sustainable environment and bring about a situation in which people live in harmony with nature.

According to him, “It is targeted at creating awareness on the diversity provided by the natural Eco-systems for human existence and well-being on Earth, while contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, no poverty as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystems restoration and cleaner water amongst others”.

The Permanent Secretary averred that the Programme was being organised successfully for the fourth consecutive year because of government’s belief in the ability of students as change agents as well as with the primary purpose of expanding the knowledge and changing the mindset of the general public about conventional tourism, especially in relation to the environment.

Bamgboye stressed that the tour in the last four years had clearly shown the commitment of the State Government to environmental sustainability by bringing together sustainable travel practices that promote the conservation and protection of wetlands.

“Having realised the capacity of young ones to communicate and bring about change, the State hopes to educate the young ones, who are leaders of tomorrow, to embrace the correct and sustainable use of God-given environmental resources and spread the message to others,” Bamgboye stated.

Also speaking, the Director, Environmental Management Department, Mr. Sheriff Savage pointed out that the participating students, who were selected through a rigorous process from the six education districts in the State, would be proceeding on eight days of learning and fun as they will have the opportunity to visit various pristine and fragile ecosystems, zoological gardens and conservation centres across the five divisions of Lagos State.

While noting that the visit will afford the students the opportunity to get acquainted with the abundant wetland resources and biodiversity of the State, Savage assured parents of the participating students that adequate security had been put in place for their safety while in camp.

He, therefore, enjoined Lagosians to commit themselves to a lifestyle that encouraged environmentally-friendly options and embraced the attitude of visiting eco-tourism sites for relaxation and knowledge of the environment, saying that future generations would not forgive the failure to protect our environment.