NGO urges protection of nature to tackle climate change

NGO urges protection of nature to tackle climate change

Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI) has called on government at all levels as well as Nigerians to take urgent action towards nurturing and protecting nature.

Mr Ismail Bima, the Chief Executive Officer, JEI made the call in Gombe on Friday through a press release issued as part of the NGO’s activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day in the state.

Bima said the theme for the 2026 World Environment Day is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, focuses on the urgent signals of climate change, emphasising nature-based solutions to build climate resilience.

He said that the theme emphasised how preserving wetlands, forests, oceans, and other ecosystems could boost resilience, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development.

According to him, climate change is playing an increasingly important role in the decline of biodiversity and “that’s why protecting our biodiversity, remains the best natural defense against climate change.

“It is in this regard that everyone must work together to protect and invest in nurturing nature as a tool to fighting climate change and mitigating its impact.”

“Every June 5 annually is World Environment Day and today reminds humanity of the need to take urgent action against climate change and other environmental challenges.

“We must invest more and take urgent necessary action to protect our environment by making conscious choices in our daily life to protect ecosystems, conserve resources, and reduce waste.

“Now that the rainy season is here, we must make deliberate efforts to plant trees while adopting sustainable waste management habits that will help preserve the planet,” he said.

Bima further appealed to the government to invest in waste recycling to transform discarded materials into reusable products, tackling pollution while intensifying efforts at protecting the nation’s forests.

“By preserving and restoring ecosystems—such as forests, wetlands, and our water bodies, we can naturally build resilience against extreme weather and other climate related challenges” he said.

NGO urges protection of nature to tackle climate change