Iwu urges FG to create effective legislation to support biodiversity

Prof. Maurice Iwu, the Chairman of Bio-resources Development and Conservation Programme in Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to put in place effective legislation to support biodiversity.
Iwu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
The BPCP is a Non Governmental Oganisation that has developed avenues for products and bio-business industrial sub-sector in Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States.
Iwu said: “Policy on sharing benefits derived from the use of Nigeria’s biodiversity resources are to be formulated and implemented and at the same time, balancing the twin goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
“Essential mechanisms should be put in place at the three tiers of government to address conflicts on biological resource use,” he said.
The chairman said designing integrated approach to land use for rehabilitation of the ecosystem was necessary for effective utilisation of land.
According to Iwu, there is the need to focus on the rehabilitation of ecosystems such as mangroves, grasslands, mountain vegetation, woodlands, tropical rainforest, watersheds, wetlands, rivers and lakes.
He added: “Also, concerted efforts must be made to promote sustainable practices of land use for agriculture, mining, crude oil exploration, aquaculture, tourism, housing development and industrialisation.”
He stated that endemic and endangered species needed to be well conserved, while more sufficient action should be taken to control invasive species and weeds.
Iwu also urged the government to encourage more multi-agency involvement in biodiversity monitoring.
He said: “Promoting participatory, knowledge management and capacity building as an integral part of implementation of biodiversity management would enhance national development.
“Communities, relevant government agencies, states and local governments, private groups, corporate businesses, civil society organisations and the media should be involved on biodiversity planning and actions.”
NAN.