An expert has revealed that biodiversity is irreplaceable, adding that once a species becomes extinct, there is no going back, it is lost forever.
A country representative of the embassy of the federal republic of Germany, Matthias Dold, made this assertion on Friday at a public presentation of the commemoration ceremony of World Wildlife Day.
Speaking on he said in the last 50 years, the earth has lost 80 % of its mammal biomass, natural ecosystems have lost half their area and of the 8 million species that exist, 1 million are at risk of
extinction.
Mr Dold emphasized that the parallels between politics and wildlife are undeniable, wildlife and forests are not the everyday topic in the life of a diplomat.
He reiterated that combating wildlife and forest crime is extremely important, and deserves more attention than it usually receives.
The expert further cited that the election campaign is almost over, adding that a lot of discussion about how to improve Nigeria’s security situation, how to fight corruption, how to boost the economy and many more profound questions.
He exclaimed that these serious challenges may prompt asking, should we really spend time and money on protecting wildlife?
The expert answered yes! Reiterated that biodiversity is irreplaceable, “this means on the one hand an incredible loss of our national and cultural identity. The elephant, that is on the coat of arms of the Nigerian Police Force, is seriously endangered in Nigeria, with only an estimated few hundred left.
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“What a loss it would be if this proud
It’s for these reasons that I do not consider fighting wildlife crime to be in contradiction or even in competition to challenges such as improving the security situation, fighting corruption and boosting the economy. On the contrary, it is a part of these endeavors.
“Nigeria has become a key source, destination and transit country for the international illegal wildlife trade over the last decade. It is the people of Nigeria that suffer most from this.
“It is therefore a laudable achievement that the Ministry of Environment, present here today, has passed the The National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026 and that the Endangered Species and Conservation Protection Bill has passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
This will contribute to strengthening the legal framework and the capacities to prevent, detect, interdict, investigate and prosecute wildlife and forest crimes as well as crimes in the fisheries factor.
“Both of these achievements have been reached with the assistance of UNODC, which is working tirelessly towards combating wildlife crime.
“The German government has supported these efforts through its funding of UNODC’s wildlife proiect, however, we are aware that a lot remains to be done. As you know, the best solutions for Nigerian problems are Nigerian solutions.
“It is therefore important that the Nigerian Ministry of Environment leads on this issue and that it continues its commitment
UNODC, I am sure, will continue its invaluable assistance.
“As we celebrate World Wildlife Day today, I am proud to represent a government that has supported the important fight against wildlife crime, through its support to UNODC.
“The German government is committed to continue its support for UNODC and the Nigerian Ministry of Environment so that the proud Nigerian elephant can once again roam the land in tranquillity,” the expert.
