Research Organization Calls For Conservation, Preservation Of Medicinal plants, Animals From Going Into Extinction
A research Organization, African BioDiversity And Traditional Knowledge Research And Development Project, has solicited for an urgent need for conservation and preservation of some medicinal plants from going into extinction.
The Research Organisation said it is imperative for Nigerians’ and government in particular to pay special attention to these plants as it can serve as a good source of foreign exchange if properly harnessed.
The President General of the Organisation, Alhaji Shuaibu Aro, said these at the formal flag off of the campaign for mass participation in bioderversity conservation and traditional Knowledge development held at June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.
According to Chief Aro, the degree at which some medicinal plants and endangered animal species go into extinction required urgent attention from all Nigerians’.
He said “the degree of needs for our naturally endowed plant and animal species requires our special attention. The rate at which these nature’s gifts are going into extinction calls for urgent need for conservation and
preservation, especially, from this part of the world.
He revealed that “this is a risk we can’t afford to take, because we need these God’s given gifts for our health care system, foods, sound ecosystems, and general existence.
Alhaji Aro said African Biodiversity And Traditional Knowledge Research And Development Project’s plan is to mobilize and coordinate people to embark on conservation and preservation of biodiversity.
“We are convinced this will assist the nation to create self sustainable employment opportunities for large number of people, thereby tackling one of Nigeria’s greatest problems of
unemployment.
“Consequently, we envision this project to promote economic sustainability of the people and that of Nigeria. We can boldly say that the products emerging from this initiative could be processed to the standard of raw materials for the local manufacturers.
“This will reduce importation while there will be room for exportation in the face mass production to other countries of the world. Its impact on the balance of trade and payment at the international level could therefore be imagined.
He added that “the development of traditional knowledge will protect, preserve, promote and advance the cause of our rich cultural heritage and improve our health care delivery system.
“We can attest to the efficacy of our traditional medicines for perfect healings of diseases that orthodox medicine only manage to the point of death.
Development of our traditional medicine will reduce the nation’s reliance on orthodox medicines and allied products, most of which are being imported to the country to the detriment of our economy.
“It will standardize the operations of the nation’s traditional medicine practitioners, promote their economic life and increase employment to the larger populace.
“Certified traditional medicine being patented by these practitioners can also be exported to other countries of the world.
Earlier, the Director General, National Orientation Agency Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu said there can be no better way to appreciate the gift of nature than to conserve and prevent it from going into extinction.
While thanking the organization for the foresight, Mr Issa-Onilu who was represented at the occasion by the Ogun State Director of NOA, Mr Obadina said the project will help in the ongoing campaign against deforestation.
“It is however pertinent to note that this project for which we are being
mobilized to embrace is therefore a worthwhile venture considering the adverse effect of the various activities of rman on the environment.
“Over the years, activities of man in his natural environment had brought
serious negative consequences on the ecosystem leading to loss of valuable plants and animals to bush burning, indiscriminate tree felling, illegal mining and other related engagement.
“Arising from these aforementioned activities, it is therefore pertinent to correct the trend by raising the consciousness of Nigerians against the odd through public sensitization, mobilization and enlightenment.
“Therefore, bearing in mind the aims and objectives of the organizers of this project, it is important for us to key into the rejuvenation of our environment by planting useful plants and rearing/ protecting animals that can be of support to traditional way of attending our health challenges.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of African Biodiversity And Traditional Knowledge Research And Development Project, Chief Taoreed Adefolakan appealed to all traditional medicine Practitioners to adopt the age long tradition of establishing herbal gardens at their backyard or somewhere else to prevent the natural plants
from going into extinction.
He said the Arican Biodiversitý and Traditional Knowledge Research and Development Project campaign is for people to participate fully or on part time basis on conservation and preservation of biodiversity related activities and the development of traditional knowledge.
“It is expected to result in attitudinal changes that will facilitate economic revolutionary agenda; aimed at improving and advancing the Practitioners income.
