A group of experts in botany, pharmacognosy, and drug research have issued a dire warning to all tiers of government, academic institutions, and Nigerians, urging them to intensify efforts to protect the country’s plant resources and biodiversity.
The experts noted that the neglect of indigenous knowledge systems and the unsustainable exploitation of rainforests pose a significant threat to food security, medicinal research, and the environment.
At the maiden Obafemi Awolowo University Plant Conservation Symposium, the experts emphasized the urgent need for a national framework that blends modern science with traditional environmental knowledge.
They stressed that Africa’s tropical rainforests, especially in Nigeria, remain among the most diverse in the world and serve as vital sources of food, timber, and medicinal plants.
According to the experts, safeguarding these resources is essential for economic growth, health innovation, and ecological stability. Specifically, Professor Emmanuel Aigbokhan, Coordinator National Eco-Security System, cited the pre-colonial Benin Kingdom as a model for sustainable agricultural practices, explaining that the kingdom thrived on tuber and timber production while protecting forests by declaring them sacred sites.
The experts recommended that courses in folk biology, ethno-ecology, ethno-botany, and taxonomy be incorporated into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Nigerian universities.
They also called on the government to employ individuals with expertise in folk science, arguing that such knowledge can bridge the gap between local practices and formal research.
The communiqué issued after the event encouraged universities to partner with local communities to tap into indigenous plant knowledge and proposed the creation of plant conservation societies in various communities.
“People from all walks of life should be educated on the conservation of plants and their sustainable use. Establishment of various societies in our various communities with a focus on the conservation of plants and their sustainable use should be encouraged,” the communiqué read.
On his part, the Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, lamented that human activities are pushing several plants into extinction.
“Plants are the backbone of our ecosystem, providing oxygen, food, and shelter for countless species. However, plant diversity is facing unprecedented threats.
“Habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities are pushing many plant species to the brink of extinction,” he noted.
Adewusi, however, urged all stakeholders to work in unison in protecting the planet’s botanical heritage.
“By conserving plants, we safeguard ecosystems, support biodiversity, and ensure a healthier future. Let’s work together to support conservation efforts, promote sustainable practices, and educate others about plant conservation. Every small action counts. Together, we can make a difference,” he submitted.
