By Abdullahi Lukman
The Biodiversity Preservation Center Uyo (BPC) has called for urgent steps to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity, with particular attention to medicinal and aromatic plants, as the world commemorates World Wildlife Day 2026.
In a statement marking the occasion, the Executive Director of the centre, Edem Eniang, said the 2026 theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” underscores the importance of protecting plant resources that support healthcare, livelihoods and cultural traditions.
According to him, Nigeria — especially Akwa Ibom State — possesses some of the richest biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants in Africa. However, he warned that these valuable natural resources are facing increasing threats.
Eniang explained that wildlife resources, particularly medicinal plants, have the potential to support community health, food security, economic growth, climate resilience and overall public wellbeing when sustainably managed within healthy ecosystems.
He expressed concern that biodiversity across Nigeria is under mounting pressure from habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, climate change and poorly planned development policies.
The centre also warned that the state’s remaining forest patches, mangrove ecosystems, forest reserves and coastal habitats are experiencing continuous pressure.
BPC therefore urged governments at all levels, as well as corporate organisations, to ensure that development activities align with conservation principles, particularly the guidelines of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The organisation further called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, communities and civil society groups to enforce global environmental agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
In addition, the centre advocated increased investment in sustainable resource management, conservation of endemic species and the promotion of ecotourism.
“Wildlife and habitat conservation is not optional; it is essential for sustainable development,” Eniang said.
He added that the centre’s One Health Initiative focuses on promoting conservation education, research, advocacy and community engagement to protect biodiversity in Akwa Ibom and beyond.