As Nigeria grapple with biodiversity crisis, the University of Benin (UNIBEN), has raised over 50,000 seedlings as part of measures to drive 2021-2030 United Nations (UN) action on ecosystem restoration for sustainable development.

Acting Head of Department of Forestry Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Ekeoba Isikhuemen dropped the hint during an assessment tour of the institution’s arboretum by journalists and the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth (ERA/FoEN) accompanied by members of Civil society Organizations.

Highlighting the threats of global deforestation issues, Isikhuemen decried the back-and-forth approach in driving ecosystem conservation policy by government across all levels.

He said: “We have over 50,000 seedlings and for the last ten years, we have planted 8,000 indigenous trees. Unfortunately, those who are supposed to drive the restoration effort, that is the governments are not doing the work”.

Also, Prof. Gideon Emelue while speaking on the pathway to ecosystem restoration, lamented harmful practices by human activities including bush burning logging, poaching of wildlife pose great threat to the environment and human existence.

“If the trees and animals in the wild could talk, you will pity for them. When you want to cook, you go to the bush, plunder it. If you are looking for meat, you go to the bush for hunting without necessarily any plan for regeneration”.

Earlier in a remark, the Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Dr. Uyi Godwin Ojo said the 20121 World Environmental Day Celebration, observed by the Organization on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State, was met to raise set agenda for 2021-2030 United Nations (UN) action on ecosystem restoration.

He promised to partner with the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in tree planting campaign and ecosystem preservation towards driving the theory of change.