CSDevNet advocates use of marine resources for Nigeria’s development
Lagos -- The conservation of the oceans, seas and other abundant marine resources in Nigeria has been identified as a key step in achieving sustainable development in the country. Speaking at the commemoration of the World Wild Life Day, Chair of the board of trustee of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network, CSDevNet, Dr. Ibrahim Choji, said marine wildlife had sustained Nigerians for many years as it provided food, nourishment, and materials for handicraft and construction.
The theme for this year’s celebration is 'Life below water: for people and planet'.
According to Dr. Choji, this year’s theme aligns with Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG14, which aims to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”
“This is the first World Wildlife Day to focus on life below water and it presents an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance and rich diversity of marine life in Nigeria”, Dr. Choji said.
“The importance of marine species to Nigeria’s development cannot be overemphasised and it behooves on the government to ensure that Nigeria’s marine resources are sustainably conserved in order for it to continue to provide these services for future generations,” He added.
The increasing loss of marine resources occasioned by the shrinking Lake Chad has contributed greatly to the level insurgency across the North-East region of Nigeria as the loss of marine wildlife occasioned by climate change has led to the colossal loss of livelihoods for millions of people in that region, CSDevNet stated.