The Conservator-General, National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni says the Federal Government is working with stakeholders to arrest the country’s depleting rich biodiversity across the nation.
According to a statement by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Conservator of Park (CP) Emmanuel Ntuyang, Goni said this during his meeting with representatives of the host states of the 10 new National Parks in Abuja.
He expressed the optimism that given the synergy between the states and the service, the new National Parks will take off in no distant time.
“The meeting is to appraise the readiness of the host states and the service for the smooth take off of the new parks”.
Goni, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdulahi commiserated with states affected by the recent flooding in the country and urged all stakeholders to join in the race against the effects of climate change.
” The recent floods and storms being experienced across the globe is part of the consequences of climate change which have become worrisome and of great concern.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in the protection of our biodiversity and the country’s fragile ecosystems”.
He noted that biodiversity conservation is critical in protecting and preserving the wealth and variety of species, habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity on the planet.
“It can help address the effects of climate change. Conserving habitats can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
“Conserving mangroves and other coastal ecosystems can lessen disastrous impacts of climate change such as flooding and storm surges,” he added.
He, therefore, urged all to embark on projects that reduce the vulnerability of species and ecosystems to climate change impacts.
In their various remarks , the host states of Kano, Jigawa, Osun, Katsina, Plateau, Bayelsa , Niger , Nasarawa and kwara, thanked President Mohammedu Buhari for creating the new parks and assured that the states will continue to provide all necessary support required for the actualization of the new Parks.
They stressed that the need to protect the country’s rich natural environment has become existential.
The high point of the meeting was the inspection of the vehicles, motorcycles and other field and office equipment procured for the take off of the new parks.
