By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The Director of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Professor Adams Chaksda, has called for renewed commitment to the sustainable management of natural resources, warning that failure to act decisively could lead to serious environmental and ecological crises.

Professor Chaksda made the appeal during the 9th A.P. Leventis Lecture held at the University of Jos, Plateau State, organised by APLORI Centre of Excellence, University of Jos, and focused on the theme “Bringing Nature and People Back to Life in Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks.”

He explained that the lecture series was instituted in honour of APLORI’s founder, Dr. Anastasios Paul Leventis, to provide a platform for distinguished conservationists to share knowledge and promote environmental awareness.

The expert warned that global warming, deforestation, and other forms of ecosystem degradation have reached alarming levels, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable resource management.

“The sustainable use and management of natural resources is not a matter of choice but of necessity. We must act now to restore balance in our environment and preserve the earth for future generations,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director of the African Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, stressed that human wellbeing is deeply connected to the health of natural ecosystems, and noted that ANI is collaborating with the National Park Service under a 30-year agreement with the Federal Government to restore Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks.

According to him, the project aims to protect biodiversity and improve livelihoods through community-based initiatives such as education, agriculture, and microfinance.

“Conservation must be beneficial to people living around protected areas. Only when communities and government see tangible economic returns can environmental protection be sustained,” Morakinyo added.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Rahila Gowon described the Leventis Lecture as an invaluable platform for advancing knowledge on nature conservation, and encouraged APLORI to sustain the annual event and consider opening its programmes to the public to deepen environmental awareness.

In his remarks, Dr. Anastasios P. Leventis reaffirmed that conservation is both a scientific and moral duty to humanity.

Since its establishment in 2002, APLORI has become West Africa’s foremost institute for ornithological research, conservation training, and ecological leadership.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality commended APLORI for its contributions to ecosystem recovery, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment, describing the Leventis Lecture as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s environmental renewal.