SUSTAINABILITY! Nigeria’s disappearing plants
In light of a recent study revealing that over 1,000 vascular plants in Nigeria may still be undescribed, there is an urgent need for the government to take proactive steps to conserve the nation’s rich plant biodiversity. This study, conducted by researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Leipzig University and published in the Annals of Botany, underscores the critical importance of documenting plant species to protect them from extinction and to ensure they continue to sustain human needs.
Lead researcher Muellner-Riehl, a German professor and iDiv Member, emphasized that without proper documentation, it is challenging to determine whether these species are endangered, making it difficult to implement conservation strategies. This gap in knowledge is particularly concerning in Nigeria, where the last comprehensive documentation of plant and animal species was conducted in 1992 by the Federal Environment Protection Agency (FEPA). The report, titled “Biological Diversity in Nigeria: A Country Study,” highlighted that since 1950, two species of animals and 20 species of plants had gone extinct. The same study revealed that 305 plant species are endemic, 431 are endangered, 45 are rare, and 20 are vulnerable.
The urgency of addressing this issue is further compounded by the alarming rate at which Nigerian plant species are being depleted, particularly those harvested for natural medicine, food, timber, woodcarving, and other commercial uses. These activities contribute to rapid deforestation, with an estimated 400,000 hectares of forest lost annually. The disappearance of these plant species not only threatens Nigeria’s biodiversity but also jeopardizes the genetic resources essential for the nation’s ecological and economic sustainability.
Despite the critical situation, Nigeria lacks comprehensive laws or regulations that protect endangered plant species. Unlike animals, plants are often treated as the private property of landowners or communities, leaving them vulnerable to overexploitation. This lack of legal protection highlights the need for immediate government intervention.
One promising solution is the establishment of botanical gardens and horticultural centers dedicated to cultivating and preserving endangered plant species. These gardens would serve as sanctuaries where plants that typically grow in the wild could be carefully nurtured and studied. By doing so, the government can ensure the sustainability of these species, which are vital to the country’s ecological balance and cultural heritage.
Additionally, collaboration with universities, research institutions, and organizations like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is crucial. Such partnerships would facilitate the identification, naming, and conservation of plant species unique to Nigeria. Moreover, these efforts would contribute to the global understanding of biodiversity and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The federal government’s involvement in forest conservation through initiatives like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is commendable, but more targeted action is needed. By focusing on the preservation of plant species, Nigeria can play a significant role in global efforts to combat biodiversity loss and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The establishment of botanical gardens and the implementation of protective measures for endangered plant species are essential steps toward safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage. As the country grapples with the challenges of rapid deforestation and environmental degradation, these efforts will not only preserve biodiversity but also ensure that future generations inherit a thriving and resilient ecosystem.
