Category: News

As May 22nd approaches, the international community prepares to commemorate World Biodiversity Day, a significant event dedicated to acknowledging the diverse array of life on Earth. This year, with the theme “Be Part of the Plan,” the focus lies on an imperative call to action: stopping and reversing biodiversity decline by enacting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, commonly referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.

The International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated every year on May 22nd to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992. Led by the Secretariat of the CBD, this day brings together governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, NGOs, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals to highlight their contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

This year’s celebration focuses on the pressing issue of biodiversity loss, which poses a significant threat to our existence. Biodiversity includes various plant and animal species, as well as genetic variations within each species and the different ecosystems they live in. These ecosystems are vital in providing essential services such as food, medicine, climate regulation, and cultural enrichment.

Human actions like cutting deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation of resources too quickly are making biodiversity disappear faster. This loss doesn’t just harm the environment – it also affects people’s health, food supply, and stability in society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how closely linked human health is to biodiversity. When habitats get smaller and ecosystems get damaged, the chances of diseases spreading from animals to humans increase. On the other hand, protecting biodiversity can help us fight new diseases, showing how connected nature and human health are.

Amidst this setting, the Biodiversity Plan shines as a symbol of optimism, providing a guide to protect and revive the abundance of nature. By promoting teamwork and alliances among different fields, the plan establishes challenging goals to stop the decline of biodiversity by 2030 and reach a sustainable future by 2050.

On this occasion of World Biodiversity Day, we should take the chance to contribute to the plan. Whether it’s through policies, community conservation projects, eco-friendly business practices, or personal decisions, each person can help conserve biodiversity for current and upcoming generations.

This year, the Convention on Biological Diversity will hold two important meetings in Nairobi: the twenty-sixth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI). These meetings are crucial for promoting biodiversity conservation and preparing for COP 16, which will take place in Colombia in October 2024.

As we approach World Biodiversity Day, let’s raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and take concrete actions to protect the interconnectedness of life that sustains us all. Together, we can drive change and guide humanity towards a more balanced relationship with nature.

Remember, when biodiversity thrives, so do we. Let’s come together and promise to protect our planet’s valuable biodiversity, now and always.

On May 5, 2024, people worldwide will come together to commemorate International Permaculture Day (IPD), a day devoted to recognizing and encouraging sustainable living methods influenced by nature. Originating in Australia, permaculture has grown into a global initiative, promoting the balanced relationship between humans and the environment through intentional planning and responsible management of natural resources.

This year, the theme “In Support of Soil” aligns closely with the core principles of permaculture, highlighting the crucial importance of fertile soil in maintaining life on our planet. While pressing issues like climate change, diminishing biodiversity, and food shortages are pressing, permaculture provides a promising path forward with its emphasis on creating sustainable communities and restoring ecosystems.

Permaculture is centred around three fundamental ethics: taking care of the earth, taking care of people, and sharing resources. These ethics serve as a compass for practitioners as they design regenerative systems that fulfil human needs while also preserving the planet for the well-being of future generations. By imitating the patterns and functions of natural ecosystems, permaculture promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, preserves water, and reduces waste.

The commemoration of IPD serves as evidence of the lively worldwide community of permaculture enthusiasts who unite to disseminate knowledge, exchange thoughts, and ignite constructive transformation. Through practical workshops and virtual assemblies, the events organized during IPD provide a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire insights into permaculture and its capacity to bring about positive change.

Celebrating International Permaculture Day, we renew our commitment to permaculture values and the urgent task of rejuvenating the Earth. By connecting with nature, we can boost prosperity and harmony in our lives and society. Together, we have the power to create a sustainable and equitable world where every living being thrives.

So please mark your calendars and join us on May 5th as we celebrate International Permaculture Day, honouring the wisdom of the land and the promise of a brighter, more resilient future.

In a touching demonstration of teamwork and resolve, more than 130 pilot whales were successfully guided back to the ocean after a tragic mass stranding incident in Western Australia. This event took place on April 25, 2024, near Dunsborough, and involved the dedicated efforts of wildlife officials, marine researchers, veterinarians, and countless volunteers who united to save these stranded marine creatures.

At first, over 150 whales were discovered stuck on the beach, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Despite valiant efforts, 28 whales perished. However, the majority were successfully guided back to the sea, highlighting the significance of prompt and well-coordinated rescue operations.

The beach scene was characterised as disorderly and overpowering, as the whales were densely clustered together, highlighting the urgent necessity for prompt intervention. The dedicated volunteers, comprising wildlife authorities and seasoned veterinarians, exerted ceaseless efforts to maintain the whales’ upright position and ensure unobstructed blowholes (openings through which they breathe air), which are vital for survival.

The remarkable social unity displayed by pilot whales, with the group’s surviving members actively assisting and aiding their distressed companions, is truly awe-inspiring. However, the imminent danger of the whales getting stranded once more led to ongoing efforts of monitoring by spotter planes and boats, to prevent any more tragedies.

The reasons behind these large-scale strandings are still unknown, but specialists hypothesize about different factors such as navigation mistakes, diseases, or disruptions in their environment. Even though we have made progress in comprehending marine behaviour, the enigmas surrounding these incidents endure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and conservation endeavours.

Preserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding species like pilot whales is extremely important. This rescue mission demonstrates the vital role that every individual, regardless of their expertise or background, plays in reducing the impact of these emergencies.

It is important to consider ways to avoid future occurrences of large-scale strandings and enhance procedures for dealing with such events after they happen. Taking proactive steps for conservation requires educating the public, running awareness campaigns, and constantly monitoring vulnerable coastal areas.

The unwavering dedication shown during this rescue mission to protect wildlife showcases the unstoppable human spirit and brings hope for our planet’s fragile ecosystems. Let’s draw inspiration from these efforts as we continue to work towards a harmonious balance between humans and the environment.

Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon have achieved a significant milestone by collaborating to sign a crucial agreement aimed at safeguarding wildlife and effectively managing natural resources that span their borders.

The agreement signed by Nigeria’s Environment Minister, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, and Cameroon’s Forestry and Wildlife Minister, Jules Ndongo, marks a big step in safeguarding both famous wildlife and the lesser-known small creatures that are important in their environments.

The agreement is designed to address the widespread illegal trade in wildlife and forest products, an urgent problem emphasized by the 2023 wildlife section of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Organized Crime Threat Assessment for Nigeria. This report emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria as a transit point for illegal trades such as pangolin, ivory, and rosewood, which come from Nigeria and neighbouring countries like Cameroon.

Lawal highlighted the importance of Nigeria and Cameroon working together to protect their natural resources. This is especially crucial due to the environmental challenges worsened by social issues such as overpopulation and poverty. He emphasized that relying solely on individual efforts is not enough and called for collaborative approaches at both bilateral and multilateral levels to effectively manage and conserve resources across borders.

Ndongo reiterated Lawal’s views, underscoring the necessity for collaborative endeavours in tackling illicit practices such as poaching and logging, which pose a significant threat to the sustainable administration of forest reserves. He implored the signatories of the agreement to exhibit resolute dedication towards its execution.

The agreement received praise from global allies, who acknowledged its importance in the fight against wildlife trafficking and the preservation of ecosystems. Tunde Morakinyo, the executive director of the Africa Nature Investors Foundation, commended the pact as a crucial measure for safeguarding shared biodiversity, particularly endangered species such as chimpanzees and elephants.

Mary Rice, the executive director of the Environmental Investigation Agency of the United Kingdom, stressed the significance of international collaboration in addressing the transnational problem of wildlife trafficking, which necessitates coordinated actions across borders.

The proactive approach of Nigeria to wildlife conservation has been praised by Peter Knights OBE, the CEO of the Wildlife Africa Fund. He highlighted the Nigeria-Cameroon Agreement on Transboundary Conservation as a testament to the country’s dedication to safeguarding biodiversity. This agreement serves as a crucial step in the worldwide battle against wildlife crime and establishes a model for future collaborative endeavours aimed at preserving our planet’s invaluable natural legacy for future generations.

Every year on April 22nd, World Earth Day reminds us of our duty to care for our planet. In 2024, the focus is on plastic pollution, urging us to address this urgent threat to our ecosystems under the theme “Planet vs. Plastics.” Let’s take action to protect the Earth for generations to come.

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with millions of tons of plastic overflowing our oceans, contaminating landscapes, and endangering wildlife. The consequences of this pervasive pollution are dire, as plastic waste not only mars the beauty of our natural environments but also poses significant health risks to both humans and animals. In response, EARTHDAY.ORG has issued a bold demand for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040—a necessary step towards creating a plastic-free planet.

This year’s Earth Day focuses on the importance of spreading awareness about the harmful impact of plastic pollution and taking immediate action to address it. Getting rid of disposable plastics, supporting a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and confronting the fast fashion industry are essential measures in this effort. By working together to reduce plastic waste, we can build a better and more sustainable world for everyone.

Earth Day is not just a one-day event, but a call for worldwide collaboration in tackling environmental issues. The urgency to take collective action has never been greater, with climate change, biodiversity loss, and other threats on the horizon. Earth Day serves as a reminder that we all have a part to play in shaping the future of our planet. It encourages individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take significant measures towards environmental stewardship.

The United Nations General Assembly declared April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day to emphasize the connection between humans and the natural world. We must acknowledge the Earth as our shared home and work towards safeguarding its ecosystems, biodiversity, and resources. There are numerous ways to support environmental conservation, such as fighting against deforestation, addressing land-use changes, and combating the illegal wildlife trade.

Let’s respond to Mother Earth’s call and transition to a sustainable economy that values the well-being of people and the planet. Protecting the Earth is not just a duty, but a shared responsibility that goes beyond borders, ideologies, and interests. On Earth Day and beyond, let’s renew our dedication to creating a healthier and stronger world for current and future generations.

When it comes to the planet versus plastics, the decision is obvious. We should opt for conservation, sustainability, and stewardship to protect the Earth and ensure a better future for all living beings on our planet.

Today, the House of Representatives initiated the initial review of fresh legislation focused on safeguarding and preserving endangered species. The bill, prepared by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Nigeria and advocated by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, aims to strengthen and enhance existing laws for wildlife protection.

This legislative effort primarily aims to tackle the common problem of illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria. The proposal aims to grant law enforcement agencies expanded investigative powers, such as conducting financial investigations and intelligence-based operations. Additionally, it enhances the jurisdiction of courts to expedite legal actions and asset retrieval related to wildlife, while enforcing accountability for businesses involved. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking.

The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Ugbor, expressed his satisfaction with its approval, highlighting the detrimental effects of wildlife trafficking on the environment and the delicate balance of our planet. He emphasized the significance of the bill in fulfilling our responsibility to future generations and preserving Nigeria’s natural treasures. Aligned with global agreements and conventions, the legislation demonstrates Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to fighting against wildlife trafficking and safeguarding endangered animals such as lions, elephants, gorillas, pangolins, and chimpanzees.

The Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), and the Wild Africa Fund (WAF), in collaboration with the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, have played a significant role in addressing the issue of illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria. According to Tunde Morakinyo, ANI’s Executive Director, the approval of the bill is expected to enhance the country’s efforts in fighting against wildlife crime.

According to Mary Rice, the Executive Director of EIA UK, the implementation of strong laws is important in fighting wildlife trafficking. She urged Nigerian lawmakers to promptly pass this measure. Peter Knights, CEO of WAF, also stressed the importance of this legislation, stating that its swift ratification could position Nigeria as a leader in the region in combating wildlife crime and protecting wildlife throughout Africa. The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill is set to undergo a thorough examination and receive input from both politicians and the public during hearings and future readings, indicating a deliberate effort to ensure its widespread and effective execution.