By Obiabin Onukwugha
An environmental advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC), has called for immediate and sustained efforts to preserve wildlife and protect biodiversity, emphasizing the crucial role these natural assets play in curbing climate change.
As ecosystems around the globe face unprecedented pressure from human activity, the body noted that the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate change has never been clearer.
CAMIC emphasized that preserving wildlife is not just a matter of protecting individual species, but essential for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems that regulate the Earth’s climate.
“Biodiversity is the foundation upon which all life on Earth depends. The loss of wildlife and habitats directly impacts ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, which are vital in mitigating the effects of climate change. By protecting wildlife, we are safeguarding the natural systems that absorb carbon, purify water, and maintain soil health,” said Pius Alabi, Chief Growth Officer of CAMIC in a statement on Tuesday.
CAMIC pointed to several key areas where action is urgently needed to include; conservation of habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices, combating illegal wildlife trade and raising public awareness.
The statement read in part: Protecting natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and oceans is critical for preserving the species that inhabit them. These ecosystems play a vital role in storing carbon and regulating the climate.
“The illegal wildlife trade not only threatens species with extinction but also disrupts ecosystems and diminishes biodiversity. Strengthening anti-poaching laws and enforcement is essential. Rewilding and ecosystem restoration efforts can help to rebuild populations of endangered species and restore the ecological functions they perform.
“Agriculture, fisheries, and forestry practices must be managed sustainably to ensure that they do not contribute to biodiversity loss. Encouraging practices that reduce environmental impact and support wildlife habitats is critical. Education and outreach are key to fostering a culture of conservation. By engaging communities and stakeholders, we can build a collective commitment to preserving wildlife.”
The advocacy body also emphasized that the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity must go hand-in-hand.
“Failure to address one will only exacerbate the challenges of the other. As we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable future, we must also prioritize the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. The health of our planet and the well-being of future generations depend on it,” the statement added.
CAMIC therefore expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives that protect wildlife and promote biodiversity conservation across Africa and beyond, while calling on governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals to take concrete actions to safeguard our planet’s natural heritage.