Author: Ebere Idiaye

International days and weeks serve as valuable opportunities to educate the public, mobilize political will, allocate resources to address global problems and celebrate humanity’s achievements. 

These observances existed even before the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as powerful advocacy tools. 

Additionally, the UN recognizes and commemorates various other observances to further its mission.

Alarming statistics underscore the urgency to prioritize biodiversity conservation. 

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Earth has lost 68% of its global wildlife population since 1970. 

This dramatic decline is primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and the illegal wildlife trade. 

It is estimated that one million species are currently at risk of extinction, posing a severe threat to the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

The implications of biodiversity loss extend far beyond environmental concerns. There are profound economic and social consequences as well. 

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) estimates that pollinators’ services’ annual global economic value of pollinators’ services alone ranges from $235 billion to $577 billion. 

This includes the pollination of crops that form the backbone of our food systems. A decline in pollinator populations directly affects agricultural productivity and food security, exacerbating existing challenges in feeding a growing global population.

Moreover, indigenous peoples and local communities who have traditionally coexisted with nature and relied on biodiversity for their sustenance face significant disruptions to their ways of life due to biodiversity loss. 

Their profound knowledge of ecosystems and their stewardship practices contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. 

Recognizing their rights, empowering their voices, and involving them in conservation efforts are essential for effective and equitable biodiversity protection.

To address the complex challenges of biodiversity loss, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework provides a roadmap for action. 

The framework outlines targets and indicators across multiple sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and urban planning, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches. 

It calls for increased investment in nature-based solutions, restoration of degraded ecosystems, sustainable natural resource management, and mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into policies and decision-making processes.

Building back biodiversity requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals. 

It demands a paradigm shift in our relationship with nature, recognizing that biodiversity is not just a luxury but a necessity for survival and well-being. 

Sustainable consumption and production patterns, responsible business practices, and promoting nature-based solutions are crucial steps towards a more harmonious and resilient coexistence with the natural world.

As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, let us reflect on biodiversity’s immense value for present and future generations. 

Let us commit to taking concrete actions to protect and restore the biological wealth of our planet. By doing so, we can ensure a sustainable future where ecosystems thrive, species flourish, and humanity coexists in harmony with nature.

Dr. Cristiana Paşca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the CBD, said, “Biodiversity is the lifeblood of our planet and the foundation for our economies, food systems, health, and future well-being. 

It’s time for us to step up and take decisive action to build back biodiversity, ensuring a resilient and sustainable world for generations to come.”

The International Day for Biological Diversity reminds us that our collective efforts can make a significant difference. 

Let us embrace this opportunity to raise awareness, inspire action, and work hand in hand towards a future where biodiversity thrives, and our relationship with the natural world is one of harmony and respect

Court sentences two men to four years imprisonment for wildlife trafficking

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday convicted and sentenced two men, John Kanu and Obinna Eze, to four years imprisonment, for conspiracy and unlawful possession of 839.4kg of Pangolin Scales and 145 kilograms of Elephant Tusks.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo handed both Kanu and Eze the sentence after they pleaded guilty to the charges against them by the Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, of the Nigerian Customs Services, Lagos.

The two convicts were arraigned alongside Anthony Onyebuchi and Monday Nnamanni in an amended charge marked FHC/L/123c/22.

The convicts and the two men had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were formerly arraigned before the court.

However, at the resumed hearing of the case, the two convicts informed the court of their intention to change their plea, which the court granted.

These suspects and others were arrested due to joint wildlife enforcement operations by the Nigeria Customs Service( NCS) and Wildlife Justice Commission( WJC), targeting illegal wildlife traders and traffickers from Africa to Asia.

Following the new development, the presiding judge ordered that the amended charge be read to them.

The two convicts pleaded guilty to the charge, while Anthony Onyebuchi and Monday Nnamanni pleaded not guilty to the authorities when the charges were read.

The prosecutors, Mr. David Ereh, Michael Osong,, and Abidemi Aluko, while reviewing the case of the charge, told the court that the convicts’ and others on February 2, 2022, conspired among themselves to warehoused the prohibited items at Adeba in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

The prosecutors told the court that the convicts’ actions contravened sections 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. 

Section 7(3) of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in International Trade) Regulations,, 20n,, and punishable under section 7(4) of the same Regulations. 

And section 5(1) of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) (Amendment) Act, 2016,, and punishable under section 5(1)(a) of the same Act.

The prosecutors urged the court to convict those that pleaded guilty to the charges and sentence them according to the sections of the laws that they were charged with.

In his judgment, Justice Oweibo sentenced the two convicts to two years each on counts one and two while pardoning them on count three.

The judge adjourned till September 28 for the trial of the remaining two defendants.

 

The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to use the wildlife and forest crime analytic toolkit to combat illegal wildlife trade and commercial poaching. 

The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, declared this at the official presentation of the toolkit in Abuja, stating that it will aid in improving the criminal justice system and achieving the government’s mission, vision, and global commitments to nature.

The wildlife and forest crime analytic toolkit is seen as a complete tool for fighting wildlife and forest crimes, which have resulted in over 1000 species facing extinction due to human activities. 

To reverse this trend and address climate change, stakeholders recently gathered in Abuja to discuss the adoption of the toolkit in Nigeria.

According to the United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs country representative, Oliver Stolpes, source and destination countries need to collaborate in combating wildlife and forest crimes. 

Read also: Ekuri community demands 500 million naira compensation for illegal logging

He emphasized that the legal framework in place has gaps, particularly concerning penalties and the need for investigators, prosecutors, and judges to have more capacities and resources to enforce an effective and credible criminal justice system.

Dr. Sabri Macawi, the Head of Climate Change of the EU delegation, who sponsored the toolkit, stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders and the importance of the toolkit. 

He noted that the toolkit would help Nigerian legislators choose the right options for the country and compare its needs with what is proposed in the series of options provided.

The wildlife in Nigeria is primarily poached for bushmeat, which is a very lucrative market fueled by a weak criminal justice system. The use of the wildlife and forest crime analytic toolkit is expected to upscale efforts to combat wildlife and forest crimes in Nigeria.

Earth Day is a global observance that takes place every year on April 22nd. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and taking action to reduce our impact on the environment. Each year, Earth Day has a specific theme, and for 2023, the theme is “Invest in Our Planet.”

The theme for this year’s Earth Day is a call to action for individuals, businesses, and governments to invest in the planet’s health and well-being. Investing in our planet means taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, protect natural resources, and promote sustainability.

There are many ways that we can invest in our planet. One of the most important is by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Renewable energy is an excellent way of investing in the planet’s health and well-being. It has the potential to create a more sustainable future and reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources. Renewable energy can provide significant benefits for the environment, human health, and the economy.

For example, solar power is a renewable energy source that uses the sun’s energy to generate electricity. It is a clean and abundant source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases, air pollutants, or water pollutants. Solar power can help to reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources like coal and oil, and it has the potential to create jobs in the clean energy sector.

Wind power is another renewable energy source that has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Wind turbines convert the wind’s energy into electricity and can provide a significant amount of power to homes, businesses, and communities. Wind power is a clean source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants, and it can help to create jobs in the clean energy sector.

Investing in renewable energy is not the only way to invest in the planet’s health and well-being. Protecting natural resources like forests, oceans, and wildlife is also critical. Forests are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while oceans are essential for regulating the Earth’s climate. Investing in the protection of these natural resources can help to preserve them for future generations.

For example, deforestation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. When forests are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere. Protecting forests through sustainable forestry practices, reforestation, and afforestation can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve biodiversity.

Investing in sustainable agriculture is another way to protect natural resources and promote sustainability. Sustainable agriculture practices like crop rotation, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management can help to reduce soil erosion, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon in the soil.

Individuals can also play a role in investing in our planet. Small actions like recycling, using public transportation or biking instead of driving, and reducing meat consumption can all have a significant impact on the environment. By making sustainable choices in our daily lives, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help to protect the planet.

Businesses also have a crucial role to play in investing in our planet. Many companies are already taking steps to reduce their environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices like reducing waste and emissions, using renewable energy, and sourcing sustainable materials. By investing in sustainability, businesses can not only reduce their impact on the environment but also save money in the long run.

Finally, governments have a critical role to play in investing in our planet. Policies like carbon pricing, renewable energy, incentives, and regulations on emissions can all encourage businesses and individuals to invest in the planet’s health and well-being. Governments can also invest in infrastructure that supports sustainable practices, such as public transportation, bike lanes, and renewable energy projects.

In conclusion, Earth Day 2023’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” is a call to action for all of us to take steps to protect the environment and promote sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, protecting natural resources, practicing sustainable agriculture, making sustainable choices in our daily lives, and implementing sustainable practices in businesses and government, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. It is our responsibility to protect the planet for future generations, and Earth Day serves as a reminder of that responsibility.

The Ekuri Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State is demanding N500 million in compensation from Ezemac International Nigeria Limited for illegal logging in the Ekuri forest, a Community Conserved Area (CCA) in the area. 

The community has also requested that the company ceases logging activities in the forest and withdraws from the area immediately. 

Edwin Ogar, the Programme Coordinator of the Worthy Association for Tackling Environmental Ruins (WATER), who has power of attorney from the Ekuri Community to conserve and manage the community forest for the livelihood and improvement of Ekuri villagers, disclosed this on Sunday, April 16, 2023. 

Ogar expressed that the community was no longer comfortable with the activities of the company and is seeking urgent international intervention as their forest was under threat of extinction.

The Ekuri forest is a protected area and has equal status as the national protected areas or forests in Nigeria registered under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC). 

According to Ogar, the community has been conserving the forest for years, but the company destroyed a portion of it without permission. The community is seeking compensation for the illegal entry and destruction of a swathe of Ekuri forest, including timber, understory, poles, non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, cultural heritage, watersheds, and animal habitats.

Ogar reported that the Ekuri forest guards discovered the destruction of the forest by the company, and when they intercepted two timber trucks coming to evacuate the wood inside the forest, they seized the keys and brought them home. He also noted that the company pleaded for mercy, claiming they were ignorant of the Ekuri boundary, and agreed to pay a fine.

In response, Mr. Ezenwa Igwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Ezemac International Nigeria Limited, stated that he was called to open a road for the community, and his people mistakenly entered their forest and felled 112 trees. 

He said that they entered into a peace talk, and the community requested cleansing and payment of N580,000. He added that the community asked him to pay for 100 trees and any additional trees and entered into an agreement for the money. 

However, after two days, he was asked to stop work because he had encroached into the Ekuri forest, and the Ekuri community people removed the batteries of his caterpillars, causing damage. He expressed that they have stopped his workers from working for four months, and he has been paying N300,000 every day for the machines, which unfortunately is causing his business to fail.

A critically endangered big-head turtle recently found a new home at Newquay Zoo. It is appropriately called a big-head turtle because of the significant difference in the size of its head in comparison to its body. This turtle also has a unique neon stripe that goes around its shell. 

Newquay Zoo which is part of Wild Planet Trust, a charity dedicated to helping halt species decline is home to 35 other critically endangered species which include the white and black ruffed lemurs, Javan magpies, and Visayan warty pigs among others. 

The baby big-headed turtle whose sex is yet to be identified currently measures about 5 cm from head to tail, however, upon attaining maturity, it would grow to be about 40 cm in length. 

Due to the size of their head, from which they gained their name, big-head turtles can’t retract their head into their shell to escape from danger like their counterparts. These turtles rather have a razor-sharp hooked beak that protects them, the beak is so strong that it is capable of crushing human bones. 

These turtles whose natural habitats are located in regions such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Chain, Vietnam, and Thailand have greatly decreased in population by 90% within the past 90 years and are now critically endangered species. 

This unpleasant decrease can be traced to several factors such as habitat loss which occurs as a result of intensive farming and development, climate change, habitat pollution, the pet trade, and the use of some traditional medicines. 

Zoo keeper Simon Pratley expressed his delight in having the baby big-headed turtle brought to the zoo when he said: “Big-headed turtles are struggling in the wild, so I am really glad that we can introduce this fascinating species to our visitors and highlight the issues threatening its survival.”

The big head turtle will be on display in the Tropical House at Newquay Zoo later this month. 

During his visit to Karnataka on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) and emphasized the need for a universal effort in wildlife protection. 

The alliance is an extension of the call he made on Global Tiger Day in 2019 for an alliance against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. The focus of the IBCA is on the conservation of the world’s seven major big cats, including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah, and countries that are home to these cats will be part of the alliance.

PM Modi believes that mobilizing financial and technical resources for the entire ecosystem associated with the big cats while ensuring their conservation and protection will be easy through the alliance. Under the alliance, member countries will share their experiences, help each other more quickly, and emphasize research, training, and capacity building.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger at Mysuru University in Karnataka and released ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, which is a summary report of the 5th cycle of management effectiveness evaluation of tiger reserves.

In his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s unique achievements in wildlife conservation, stating that protecting nature is part of the culture in India. 

Despite having only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India contributes 8% to known global biodiversity. India is the largest tiger range country in the world, the largest Asiatic elephant range country with nearly 30,000 elephants, and the largest single-horn rhino country with a population of nearly 3,000. 

India is also the only country in the world to have Asiatic lions, and its population has increased to 675 in 2020 from around 525 in 2015. The PM also mentioned that India’s leopard population increased by over 60% in four years.

PM Modi further highlighted the work being done to clean up rivers, such as the Ganga, and how some aquatic species that were once considered in danger have shown improvement. He credited the people’s participation and a culture of conservation for these achievements.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s launch of the International Big Cats Alliance is a significant step towards the conservation and protection of big cats and their associated ecosystems. 

India’s unique achievements in wildlife conservation serve as an inspiration to the world, and the country’s commitment to conservation is evident through its various conservation efforts

Climate change is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. It is causing significant effects on our planet, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. Human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels are the main causes of climate change. Impact

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued several reports emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The latest report indicates that the world is dangerously close to reaching the 1.5°C temperature rise limit agreed upon in the Paris Agreement.

Nigeria, like other countries, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its high dependence on agriculture and limited water resources make it particularly susceptible. The changing rainfall patterns and higher temperatures are leading to increased water scarcity and reduced water quality, which negatively impacts agriculture, ecosystems, and drinking water supply, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases.

In addition, flooding is becoming more frequent and severe, resulting in the loss of property and infrastructure. Furthermore, the rise in sea levels due to melting ice caps and glaciers can lead to saltwater intrusion, contaminating freshwater resources and making them unsuitable for human consumption, which can lead to conflicts over water resources.

One of the significant impacts of climate change on soil in Nigeria is desertification, which is leading to soil degradation, erosion, and loss of biodiversity, negatively impacting agriculture and food security, as well as the livelihoods of many communities.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This requires a transition towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. 

Additionally, adaptation measures such as improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and promoting nature-based solutions such as wetlands restoration and mangrove planting are necessary to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Addressing the impacts of climate change on soil and water requires a collective effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals must all play their part in handling this issue. 

The Nigerian government has taken steps to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as promoting sustainable land management, reforestation, and water conservation, and increasing the use of renewable energy. However, more needs to be done to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

In conclusion, climate change is having a severe impact on soil and water, which are vital components of our planet’s ecosystem. We must take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on soil and water to ensure the long-term sustainability of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants. It is crucial to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come