Africa
THE Association of Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria, AEIAN says land restoration can reverse land degradation, desertification and drought.
The Association said this at an event in Port Harcourt to mark the 2024 World Environment Day.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Association of Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN)
The 2024 World Environment Day focused on Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience which is being hosted by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 5th of June.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, President AEIAN, said that many nations including Nigeria were facing degradation, desertification and drought, thus causing the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
“Land restoration can reverse land degradation, drought and desertification.”
:As we celebrate this day, we should be mindful of the urgent need to protect our environment.
“Today is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking action. It’s about committing to make a difference, no matter how small, in our daily lives.”
She said that AEIAN was committed to creating awareness and educating our community about the critical environmental challenges we face and the steps we can take to address them.
The president added that AEIAN had Environmental Outreach campaign in secondary schools in Rivers State in preparation for the World Environment Day (WED).
According to her, the focus of the school outreach is on the importance of waste management in preserving our planet.
“This is because the degradation is caused by the waste generated by our activities.
“During the outreach, we highlighted the significance of understanding waste management and encouraged everyone to participate in caring for the environment.
“The emphasis was on the 4Rs of Waste Management – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover which offer practical ways to minimize our waste and maximize our resource. Implementing the 4Rs is essential for creating a cleaner and greener environment for future generations.”
“Today, the 5th of June 2024, the Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN) in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt, Ministry of Environment and Osten limited joined the world in accelerating land restoration through nature-based solution that will boost livelihoods, reduce poverty and build resilience to extreme weather.”
She said that a hybrid event was held at the Department of Animal and Environmental biology, University of Port Harcourt with 150 participants registered onsite and over 50 participants online.
She explained that the event showcased a research under the National Research Fund of Tetfund in University of Port Harcourt, tree planting and cutting of the WED anniversary cake.
She said that the highlight of the occasion was a lecture by Prof. G. O. Abu on how Water Hyacinth, a fresh water nuisance, could be harnessed and be used for land restoration.
She said that Prof. Abu talked on strategies of land restoration and how water hyacinth can be used as a natural supplement.
“He further showed the bioremediation potential of water Hyacinth,”
Present at the event and gave their remarks were Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt Prof. Owunari Georgewill with his management staff;
Deputy Director/Federal Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment (Rivers Field Office), Ikomah, F. Barieenee;
Representative of the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Environment Mrs Sylvaline Hart;
Representative of Osten Limited Ademola C. Ashonibare, and staff and students of the university.
Some secondary school students and teachers from Royal International Missionary School were at the occasion and it was a great learning experience for them.
Trees were planted by the Vice Chancellor of the University, AEIAN president and other guests.
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June 6, 2024
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