By Rotimi Famakin
Growing urbanization and coastal erosion are critical factors currently affecting ecotourism development and conservation of biodiversity in Nigeria.
Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja stated this while delivering a lecture organized by the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan.
Dr Onoja, who explained that there was the need for protected areas to promote biodiversity and fulfil human needs, said land encroachment, wastes deposited by residents due to urbanization and erosion during the wet season, were affecting ecotourism development
NCF Director General, who said the foundation was established in 1980 and registered in 1982, emphasized the need for individuals, institutions and corporate organizations considering conservation areas and ecotourism, to harness large areas as urban development might affect protected areas.
The guest lecturer added that ecotourism not only enhances harmonious human relationship with nature but also constitutes a source of revenue, and reduces air pollution and climate change.
In his remark, the Dean Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke Akinyele, represented by Professor Emmanuel Ajani, said the lecture was timely as attention was being shifted to ecotourism due to opportunities that are embedded in the sector.
He said there was a need for partnership with other agencies on conservation so as to replicate the Lekki Conservation Centre in the University of Ibadan.
The Vice-Chancellor, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale represented by the Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Oluwadayo Sonibare traced the historical background of the department to 1981 when the Faculty of Forest Resources was anchoring two courses in wildlife and fisheries.
Professor Adebowale, who said the institution was working towards developing Oba Dam in the university to become a tourist centre, noted that the university had been at the forefront of championing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
Professor Adebowale said the Biodiversity Conservation Club inaugurated on the occasion was the right step as it would register consciousness in the minds of young folk on the need to promote ecotourism and the conservation of biodiversity.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Professor Abosede Omonona, said the lecture which was third in its series was conceived out of the desire to examine the impact of lecture room teachings on the public.
Professor Omonona said feedback from actors in ecotourism would enable the department to have a grasp of the challenges facing the tourism sector, and emphasized the importance of collaboration so as to achieve environmental protection and save natural resources.
She said the inauguration of the biodiversity conservation club on the occasion was a long-conceived idea in view of the creative mind and inherent talents deposited in the students to promote ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.
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