Plant diverse crops, trees to restore ecosystem, LASG urges residents

By Dada Jackson

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, has stressed the need for the restoration of the ecosystem.

He stated this in an address he delivered at the World Environment Day held at Abraham Adesanya Road, Lekki-Epe Expressway with the theme ‘Ecosystem Restoration’.

According to him, ecosystem could be restored by growing more diverse crops, including trees.

He added that these could rebuild carbon stores in soils, making them more fertile so the growing population could be fed.

Bello further said, “Human can help rebound shrub-lands and grasslands by clearing woody vegetation and re-seeding native grasses, lost plants and animals can be reintroduced and protected. Restoration initiatives can be launched by almost anyone.”

The commissioner pointed out that restoring ecosystems, large and small, would protect and improve the livelihood of people depending on them.

He noted that it would also help to regulate disease and reduce the risk of natural disasters.

 He added that restoration could help to achieve the sustainable development goals.

He said, “I want to reiterate that in ensuring a safe, resilient and sustainable Lagos, there is the urgent need to respond to the call for action that will last a decade in restoring our ecosystem and joining the rest of the world to combat the unsustainable consumption of natural resources.

According to him, the forum is a clarion call to all and sundry to join the state government in the fight against environmental degradation and pollution.

In his goodwill address, a renowned environmentalist, Desmond Majekodunmi, called on citizens to imbibe the culture of planting trees, noting that with this, the environment would become a lot friendlier.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its green initiatives.