Prof. Adams Chaksda, the Director of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute and Centre of Excellence, (APLORI) University of Jos, has advised the Federal Government to renew its commitment towards sustainable management of natural resources.

Chaksda gave the advice during the 9th APLORI Lecture Series on Monday in Jos.

The lecture had the theme “Bringing Nature and People Back to Life – Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks.”

The expert warned that failure to decisively manage the natural resources could lead to serious environmental and ecological crises.

He explained that the lecture series, instituted in honour of APLORI’s founder, Dr. Anastasios Leventis, aimed at providing a platform for distinguished conservationists to share knowledge and promote environmental awareness.

He particularly warned that global warming, deforestation, and other forms of ecosystem degradation have reached alarming levels, hence the urgent need for sustainable resource management.

“The sustainable use and management of natural resources is not a matter of choice but of necessity.

“We must act now to restore balance in our environment and preserve the earth for future generations,” he said.

Dr. Tunde Morakinyo, the Guest Speaker at the event and the Executive Director of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, said that human wellbeing is deeply connected to the health of natural ecosystems.

He noted that ANI is collaborating with the National Park Service under a 30-year agreement with the federal government to restore the ecosystems in the parks, while supporting livelihoods around them.

Morakinyo, who spoke on the theme of the event, reiterated the viable potentials of the Parks and the need for a holistic conservation.

He also called on the government and communities to support the drive towards strengthening biodiversity and reducing conflict.

“Conservation must be beneficial to people living around protected areas.

“Only when communities and government see tangible economic returns can environmental protection be sustained,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, commended APLORI for the initiative and for promoting biodiversity research and conservation in Nigeria Centre tasks FG on sustainable management of natural resources

Represented by Prof. Rahila Gowon, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Ishaya promised to support the centre at all times.

In a brief remarks, Leventis, the founder, reaffirmed that conservation is both a scientific and moral duty to humanity.

He said that since its establishment in 2002, APLORI has been West Africa’s foremost Institute for ornithological research, conservation training, and ecological leadership.