The International Ocean Institute, Nigeria Center has urged the government to be firm in enforcing wildlife protection laws to halt the rapid extinction of exotic wild species in the nation’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
The Director of the Center, Dr. Akanbi Williams, in a statement to mark the 2025 World Reverse the Red Day, stressed the importance of increased public awareness about the enormous benefits of wild species and the best practices to enable their sustainable protection.
According to Williams, the loss of these creatures is not just an environmental concern but a call to action towards better management of the nation’s rich resource of wild plants and animals, which will make a huge contribution to the national economy if sustainably preserved and protected.
Williams pointed out that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Reversing the Red: Moving from Ideas to Actions for Threatened Species,” underscores the urgent need to shift from discussions to concrete conservation measures that ensure the survival of at-risk marine and terrestrial species.
“The International Ocean Institute, Nigeria Center, proudly joins the global community in celebrating Reverse the Red Day, a worldwide movement dedicated to halting and reversing the decline of threatened species and ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Reversing the Red: Moving from Ideas to Actions for Threatened Species,” underscores the urgent need to shift from discussions to concrete conservation measures that ensure the survival of at-risk marine and terrestrial species,” he said.
The director, who said that the IOI-Nigeria Center is dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions that address the challenges facing biodiversity, noted that the responsibility to protect the planet extends to every individual, organisation, and government.
He said, “In line with this year’s theme, IOI-Nigeria Center, is taking decisive actions to protect and restore biodiversity.”
These include: -Community-Based Conservation Programs, Awareness creation, and empowering local communities with knowledge and resources to protect endangered species in their environments, ensuring that conservation efforts are sustainable and locally driven.
Research and Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop policies that enhance biodiversity conservation in alignment with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These efforts are crucial in ensuring that biodiversity conservation is prioritized in national and international agendas.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Engaging all citizens through educational initiatives that inspire action and promote responsible environmental stewardship. By leveraging digital platforms, community outreach, and media engagement, we aim to foster a culture of conservation where individuals recognize their role in preserving the environment.
Capacity-Building Initiatives: Training young conservationists and researchers to drive impactful change in marine and coastal conservation efforts. Through hands-on training, mentorship programs, and collaboration with academic institutions, we seek to equip the next generation of environmental leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address biodiversity challenges effectively.
Restoration and Protection of Key Ecosystems: Implementing reforestation, habitat restoration, and marine protection programs (for areas like mangroves and wetlands) that help revitalize ecosystems crucial to biodiversity conservation. These actions include sustainable fisheries management, and afforestation projects that directly contribute to reversing species decline.
“Reverse the Red Day serves as a crucial reminder that collective action is essential to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.
“We call upon policymakers, conservationists, stakeholders, and the public to join forces in implementing real-world solutions that ensure a sustainable future for all species.
“By integrating global frameworks such as the CBD and the SDGs into our strategies, we reinforce our commitment to achieving a resilient and thriving natural environment.
” The responsibility to protect our planet extends to every individual, organization, and government, and together, we can drive meaningful change. As we commemorate this significant day, we urge all stakeholders to take bold steps in reversing biodiversity loss. Whether through policy development, scientific research, community engagement, or personal lifestyle choices, every action counts. There are more than enough ideas and it is now time for action. By working together, we can Reverse the Red and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Williams said that Nigeria, with its vast coastal and marine resources, is home to diverse species that play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and climate change pose significant threats to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
He maintained that without immediate and targeted interventions, the delicate balance of nature will continue to be disrupted, leading to further species decline and ecosystem degradation.
The IOI-Nigeria center condemned recent incidents, such as the killing of Leatherback and other turtles in Lagos and Ondo States, some dolphins in Bayelsa and Rivers States, and many other wildlife highlights, as reported in the media.
He said that these acts of wildlife destruction serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the nation’s marine species and the critical role we all play in their protection, demanding urgent and stronger conservation efforts to check.
