World Wildlife Day: We are committed to sustainable ecosystem mgt. – Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is committed to sustainable ecosystem management with the adoption of a comprehensive environmental policy that guarantees responsible and ethical use of environmental resources.

Obaseki who said this in commemoration of the United Nations World Wildlife Day, marked on March 3, each year, harped on the need for the effective use of wildlife resources in a manner that guarantees their availability for future generations.

“Our comprehensive environmental policy has made provisions for the interest of the future generations. We will not allow the current generation to deplete our green covers, wildlife, water and other God-given resources without plans to replenish them where necessary.

“We are reforming the way people mine solid minerals, use forest resources and marine life in Edo State in line with the thrust of our policy on sustainable ecosystem management, designed to protect the environment from further abuse and over-exploitation of its resources.”

The governor disclosed that “shortly after assuming office, we embarked on an aerial survey of the state and found very disturbing images of abuse of natural water bodies, some of which have been turned into receptacles of industrial and domestic wastes, with huge negative impact on aquatic organisms. Our forest and land resources were also not spared.

“Our aerial tour of the state was an eye opener and informed most of the decisions we have taken in the environment sector in recent times, to check further threat to our flora and fauna,” he added.

According to the United Nations, “the animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value and contribute to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of human well-being and sustainable development.”

The global body noted that “World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people.

“At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human induced reduction of species, which have wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.”

Commenting on the importance of World Wildlife Day, Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres urged: “let us raise awareness about the extraordinary diversity of marine life and the crucial importance of marine species to sustainable development. That way, we can continue to provide these services for future generations.”

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