Scientists, Expert Unites To Combat Endangered Species Crisis
As the world celebrates international day of forestry 21th march 2024, in a landmark assembly, scientists, horticulturists, and government officials convened to tackle the pressing issue of plant species extinction exacerbated by global warming organized by Teku Farm in Kaduna state.
The event which marked a crucial collaboration between science journalists, environmentalists, and the Special Advisor to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change.
The primary objective is to foster stronger ties among horticulturists, environmental NGOs, and governmental bodies so as to devise effective strategies combating desertification, deforestation, and environmental degradation.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Comrade Jibril Suleman of the Kaduna Metro Environmental Cleaning and Awareness NGO, underscored habitat loss as the foremost threat to species survival.
He emphasized that, the relentless encroachment of human activities on vital ecosystems, which leads to irreversible damage.
Echoing this sentiment, Rabiu Abubakar, CEO of Ozone Layer and Climate Change Initiative, laments on the critical solutions to combat desertification, fueled by unsustainable logging practices and escalating demand for charcoal and firewood.
Abubakar then urged on the collective action, stressing the imperative of reforestation efforts to safeguard endangered plant species and mitigate the adverse effects of carbon emissions.
While advocates for greener transportation alternatives and reduced reliance on environmentally harmful industries to curb greenhouse gas emissions. He added
Ibrahim Yakubu, a member of Nigeria’s Science and Environment Journalists, has also called on the pivotal role of government policies in promoting community-based tree planting initiatives and raising awareness about renewable energy adoption.
Addressing dietary habits, Yakubu urged citizens to consider reducing meat consumption to alleviate the environmental strain caused by livestock farming, a significant contributor to methane emissions.
The Chairman of Kaduna State Horticulturists, Umar Dan Kozo,, expressed grave concerns over the imminent loss of native plant species, citing the encroachment of hybrid varieties and urbanization as primary threats. He then called for collaborative efforts to safeguard biodiversity and adopt sustainable land management practices.
Responding at the gathering, Honorable Yusuf Idris Amoke, Special Advisor to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change, commended the proactive stance of local horticulturists in environmental conservation and job creation, while emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships and implementing green initiatives in other to combat climate change.
In his concluding remarks, Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu, Managing Director of Teku International Farm, speaking on the critical role of global warming in driving plant extinction rates, urging for collective action to mitigate human-induced climate change and protect vital plant habitats for future generations.
Expressing gratitude to Yusuf Amoke’s visit and ongoing support, Salisu reiterates the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and governmental bodies in addressing the climate crisis.
The international gathering underscored the collective resolve to prioritize environmental preservation and chart a sustainable path forward in safeguarding plant biodiversity amid a rapidly changing climate.
