By: Manoah Kikekon
The Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, Agnes Asagbara, has said 174 million hectares of land have been saved from being ploughed and cultivated through modern biotechnology.
Agnes, who was represented by Senior Scientific Officer, NBMA, Zakayo Hassan Aimas, disclosed this on Tuesday at a workshop for Community Based Organizations, CBOs, organized by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria, CSDevNet, themed 'Biodiversity Conservation Awareness' in Abuja.
According to a recent study between 1996 - 2015, the DG said, "574M tonnes of products which was derived through modern technology have contributed to biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria."
She said, "Biosafety and modern biotechnology are two inseparable fields that are complementary in biodiversity conservation and overall environmental conservation and sustainability.
Stressing the need for conversations regarding biodiversity Conservation, Agnes said "the event will no doubt lead to a paradigm shift in the perception of stakeholders, which will in turn reach the common man in the street and wider communities if implemented judiciously.
Earlier, National Network Coordinator, CSDevNet, represented by Paul Joseph the program officer, said "the involvement of community based organizations is crucial for environmental protection and sustainable resource management."
Abu, who was represented by Doose Hanny, said "that the discussions could create a lasting impacts on communities, and the environment."
The Executive Secretary of African Minister's Council on Water (AMCOW), Rashid Mbazira, represented by Monitoring Support Officer, Emmanuel Uguru, said "education plays a crucial role in advancing the sustainable and equitable use of biodiversity and its conservation.
He added, "Preserving biodiversity calls for an inclusive approach that actively engages all individuals; advocacy on biodiversity should strive to communicate effectively across different age groups and community."