By Abbas Nazil
The Margo Abayomi Memorial Evergreen Foundation has called for the preservation of animal DNA as a long-term scientific strategy to prevent the permanent loss of species threatened by extinction across the globe.
The call was made by Dr Dayo Abayomi, co-founder of the foundation, during an interview held on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Abuja, where she discussed conservation science, sustainability and biodiversity protection.
She explained that preserving genetic material from endangered animals could provide future scientists with the tools needed to regenerate species that may disappear as biotechnology continues to advance.
According to her, DNA is the fundamental unit of life and contains the complete biological blueprint that determines how an organism develops, functions and reproduces within ecosystems.
Abayomi said that with preserved DNA, scientists could potentially replicate genetic systems and apply them through advanced scientific processes to reproduce extinct or critically endangered species.
She cited the example of the pangolin, explaining that if the species were to go extinct but its DNA had been preserved, that genetic material could still be used for scientific research and regeneration efforts.
She noted that science was evolving rapidly and that future techniques could allow preserved DNA to be incorporated into compatible organisms to give birth to endangered species.
Abayomi compared this possibility to existing practices such as the storage of human eggs and embryos, which are already used in modern medical science.
She explained that research was gradually shifting focus from preserving cells to conserving the core genetic material that carries life’s instructions.
The conservation advocate added that scientists have already extracted DNA from ancient bones, fossils and preserved biological materials to study evolution and explore regeneration possibilities.
She warned that without proactive DNA preservation, future generations would lose critical genetic resources needed for scientific innovation, conservation planning and biodiversity recovery.
Abayomi stressed that DNA banks could play a vital role in strengthening resilience against biodiversity loss caused by climate change, habitat destruction and human activities.
She said the MAMIE Foundation is committed to long-term environmental sustainability through conservation advocacy, education, partnerships and research programmes across Nigeria.
As part of its practical efforts, the foundation is conserving the Emerald Forest Reserve, a small forest located by a river in Ikoyi-Osun, Osun State.
She explained that the reserve serves as a biodiversity refuge and a practical response to threats such as deforestation, erosion, flooding and climate change impacts.
Abayomi called on government, policymakers and the private sector to invest more in conservation science and supportive policies.
She emphasised that protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity is essential for safeguarding ecosystems, livelihoods and the wellbeing of future generations.
