By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh Treasure
Ecological management refers to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, including land, water, soil, and living organisms, to maintain ecosystem services and promote human well-being.
In sub-Saharan African countries, effective ecological management is crucial due to the region’s climate and topography.
It is quite notable that World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th to raise awareness and promote action on environmental issues.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established World Environment Day in 1972 to encourage global efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
The environment is vital for human existence, economic development, and overall well-being. It’s importance cannot be overstated, and it is essential to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainability.
Here are some reasons why the environment is vital:
Supports Life: The environment provides air, water, food, and shelter, essential for human survival.
Regulates Climate: The environment regulates the Earth’s temperature, weather patterns, and natural cycles.
Provides Resources: The environment offers natural resources like fossil fuels, minerals, and timber, which drive economic growth.
Supports Biodiversity: The environment is home to diverse flora and fauna, maintaining ecological balance and supporting food chains.
Influences Health: Environmental factors significantly impact human health, with pollution and climate change causing various diseases.
Affects Economy: Environmental degradation can lead to economic losses, while sustainable practices can generate employment and income.
Shapes Culture: The environment influences cultural heritage, with natural landscapes and resources inspiring art, literature, and spirituality.
Supports Recreation: The environment offers opportunities for recreation, tourism, and relaxation, enhancing human well-being.
Maintains Water Cycles: The environment regulates water cycles, ensuring freshwater availability for human consumption and agriculture.
Essential for Aesthetics: Natural landscapes and environments provide beauty, inspiration, and a sense of wonder.
Supports Agriculture: The environment provides fertile soil, water, and climate conditions for agriculture, feeding human populations.
Mitigates Disasters: A healthy environment can reduce the impact of natural disasters like floods, droughts, and storms.
Supports Education and Research: The environment provides opportunities for scientific research, education, and innovation.
Influences Policy and Governance: Environmental concerns shape policy decisions, international agreements, and global cooperation.
Essential for Human Rights: Access to a healthy environment is a basic human right, essential for dignity and well-being.
To alleviate the sub-Sahara African countries from both ecological and climatic challenges nature (God) via the World Bank gifted the person of Dr. Iganya Joy Agene to the continent of Africa and today the unique impactful venture revolves around the global space and Nigeria is not left out.
Dr. Iganya Joy Agene is a senior environment specialist at the World Bank and the task team leader of the $700 million Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
She was previously the task team leader of the $900 million Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) now closed.
Dr Iganya has been involved in efforts to addressing climate change and environmental challenges while promoting the improvement of sustainable landscape management practices in Nigeria and globally.
The acronym “ACReSAL” stands for Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes.
It is a World Bank-assisted Project aimed at addressing the challenges of land degradation and climate Change in Northern Nigeria on a multi-dimensional scale.
In its overview, the ACReSAL project is a multi-sectoral and multi-institutional scheme, covering Environment, Agriculture and Water. It was designed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to combat desertification and restore degraded lands, and special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Under the leadership of Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, some of the project’s impacts include:
Environmental Conservation: Both NEWMAP and ACReSAL project, contributed to the conservation of natural resources, reclamation of degraded lands, and promotion of sustainable land use practices.
2. Climate Change Mitigation: She authored World Bank Nigeria’s policy note on climate change and Dr. Agene work is targeted towards climate change resilience.
3. Agricultural Development: As a task team leader for the now closed NEWMAP and the ongoing ACReSAL, some of the impacts include support to smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, to improve their livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices and income-generating activities.
4. Capacity Building: As a geologist, an environmentalist and a space scientist, she has trained and empowered numerous stakeholders, including government officials, farmers, and community leaders, on the use of destructive technology and on sustainable environmental management practices.
5. Gender Empowerment: Dr. Agene has promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment through her work, supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes and economic development.
6. Community Engagement: She has fostered community engagement and participation in natural resource management, promoting ownership and sustainability.
7. Economic Growth: Through her work, contributions were made towards local economic growth and development, while improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian
Her work is tailored towards contributions to the fulfillment of the United Nations’ environmental goals, particularly in the areas of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene’s work has had a lasting impact on Nigerian society, promoting sustainability, resilience, and economic growth, and serving as a role model for future generations.
