Protecting biodiversity can lead to improved public health — NCF

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) says protecting biodiversity can lead to improved public health, greater resilience to natural disasters and economic growth.

According to it, taking action to address these challenges is not only a practical necessity but also a moral and ethical obligation to save our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

A statement signed by Mr Oladapo Soneye, NCF’s Communication Manager, on Saturday, said that it was consequent upon this that the NCF would discuss climate change and biodiversity loss at the 21st Chief Lawal Edu Memorial lecture.

The lecture would have its theme as: “Humanity and the Twin Crises of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss”.

According to it, the theme of the lecture is germane because of the phenomenal impact of the twin Crises of climate change and biodiversity loss to mankind.

It said that the public lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss has a wide range of benefits that extend beyond environmental protection.

“Protecting biodiversity can lead to improved public health, greater resilience to natural disasters, and economic growth.

”Ultimately, taking action to address these challenges is not only a practical necessity but also a moral and ethical obligation to save our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

“Hence, the need to speak up about the raging crises and take appropriate actions both as organizations and individuals.”

It said that climate change and biodiversity loss were closely linked, as changes in one could have significant impacts on the other.

It remarked that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns were putting our planet’s biodiversity at risk, which in turn threatens the vital ecosystem services that we rely on for survival.

”We urge the public to join the conversation on how best to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss and their adverse effects on our planet, ” the statement said.

Our correspondent reports that the Edu Memorial Lecture is an annual event aimed at bringing sustainability and environmental issues to the fore while articulating sustainable solutions to these issues.

Over the last two decades, notable thought leaders and renowned experts from around the world have delivered lectures on environmental conservation, policies, and other topical issues.

The lecture is organised by the NCF in collaboration with the Chief S.L. Edu’s family, and with the support of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

“The Guest Speaker, Mr Martin Harper, Vice-President, Regions and Partnerships (Acting CEO Designate) BirdLife International, is an individual with over 25 years’ experience of conservation leadership.

“He will deliver the lecture that will set the tone for a high-level discussion on climate change and biodiversity loss.

“The Governor of Lagos, Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other high networth individuals are expected to grace the occasion as the point of discussion has become everyone’s concern,” the statement said.

It said that the lecture would be free attendance, but added that registration was required through NCF’s social media platforms.