BLOG

I am always in awe of the beauty of the African forest, specifically, the Omo Forest Reserve in Nigeria. The serenity that comes with being in contact with nature is beyond description. Being at peace with nature is a blessing, which makes me wonder why some are in conflict with forests. Ignorance, poverty and insatiable need of man is putting pressure more than ever on the African forest. I used to think I was a better person because I always long to conserve nature, however a very interesting perspective dawned on me recently. If you did not know the importance of a thing, abuse is inevitable. So is the situation of the African forest, I believe if I was never educated on the importance of forests conservation, I would not have come to appreciate the services the forest provides. This led me to become a strong advocate of conservation education particularly among children and youths of Nigeria. 

Conservation education is increasing in some regions in Nigeria, particularly within protected areas. However, most people in urban areas lack awareness of the need to conserve and have limited knowledge of threatened and endangered species in the country. Therefore, including conservation education in our school curriculum is crucial to ensure that all young people have access to this knowledge. This would help to bridge the gap and ensure that no one is left behind in the effort to preserve Nigeria's natural heritage. In my experience as a graduate student in Biology, I have come to realize that research on biological biodiversity is still in its infancy. Unfortunately, most research conducted solely benefits academia, such as for promotion and passing exams, and does not benefit local communities. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate conservation research to benefit the local community directly.

As stated earlier, poverty is another challenge that makes conservation projects challenging in Nigeria. The creation of alternative livelihoods that are not dependent on the forest is of critical importance to reduce the pressure on the forest. Additionally, educating people who rely on the forest for subsistence is important to reduce their dependence on it and encourage sustainable resource use. Researchers, project managers, conservationists, and governments should work closely with local communities to create opportunities to earn their trust and encourage them to safeguard the natural resources in their locality.

Promoting sustainable resource use and management practices is one solution to address insatiable needs, such as the pressure on natural resources. For instance, planting more trees to replace those cut down can help mitigate deforestation and promote reforestation. Regulating hunting practices and promoting sustainable practices that avoid hunting pregnant females are crucial. Educating people about the importance of conserving natural resources is very crucial if the next generation wants to experience the love for nature like I did.