Written by Mariam Idris
In a recent development, the Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Agnes Asagbara, revealed that an impressive 174 million hectares of land have been preserved from ploughing and cultivation, thanks to the implementation of modern biotechnology.
This significant achievement underscores the positive impact of cutting-edge technology in preserving our natural resources and fostering biodiversity conservation.
The disclosure took place on February 20, 2024, at a workshop organized by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) in Abuja, Nigeria.
The event, themed ‘Biodiversity Conservation Awareness,’ aimed to engage community-based organizations (CBOs) in discussions that are crucial for environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Agnes Asagbara, represented by Senior Scientific Officer of NBMA, Zakayo Hassan Aimas, highlighted the results of a recent study conducted between 1996 and 2015.
The study revealed that a remarkable 574 million tonnes of products derived through modern technology have significantly contributed to biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
This emphasizes the pivotal role that biosafety and modern biotechnology play as complementary fields in ensuring overall environmental conservation and sustainability.
Addressing the participants, Agnes stressed the inseparable connection between biosafety and modern biotechnology, asserting that these fields are essential for effective biodiversity conservation.
She further emphasized the need for constructive conversations surrounding biodiversity conservation, stating that the outcomes of the workshop would lead to a paradigm shift in stakeholders’ perceptions.
If judiciously implemented, this shift could effectively reach the common man in the street and wider communities.
Mr. Stephen Abu, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet represented by Paul Joseph the Programme officer, echoed the importance of involving community-based organizations in environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
He emphasized that the discussions held during the workshop have the potential to create lasting impacts on communities and the environment.
The Executive Secretary of the African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW), Rashid Mbazira, represented by Monitoring Support Officer Emmanuel Uguru, highlighted the crucial role of education in advancing the sustainable and equitable use of biodiversity and its conservation.
Mbazira stressed that preserving biodiversity requires an inclusive approach that actively engages individuals across different age groups and communities.
In conclusion, the workshop organized by CSDevNet serves as a platform for fostering awareness, dialogue, and collaboration among various stakeholders.
The revelations made by the NBMA underscore the positive contributions of modern biotechnology to biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
As discussions continue and awareness spreads, it is anticipated that the paradigm shift initiated by this event will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.