By Lukman Olabiyi
The Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment Committee (NREEL) of the International Law Association’s Nigerian branch has highlighted significant knowledge gaps that impede effective land restoration efforts.
The organization emphasized the urgent need for investment in research to address land degradation issue comprehensively.
These points were made during a conference held to commemorate World Environment Day 2024, with the theme:”Our Land, Our Future: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Resilience”.
The one-day hybrid conference was organized by NREEL, hosted by the Center of Petroleum, Energy, Environment and Law (CPEEL) at the University of Ibadan, and partnered with the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES Institute) and the Triple Green Environment Development Foundation (TGED Foundation).
Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer, the convener of the conference, stressed the necessity of moving beyond discussions and towards concrete actions and long-term strategies for sustainable land management.
She highlighted the critical role individuals play in combating desertification and land degradation, calling for active participation, collaboration, and innovation. She expressed confidence that the conference would inspire new ideas and collective efforts toward environmental sustainability and resilience.
Dr. Walter Nsoh, Associate Professor of Energy and Environmental Law at the University of Birmingham, delivered the keynote lecture. He underscored the interconnectedness of land degradation and climate change, such as the impact of flooding, and the need for comprehensive restoration and resilience plans. Dr. Nsoh also noted the evolving role of farmers as managers of ecosystem services.
The conference featured panel discussions with experts from academia, government, and civil society, including Dr. Godswill Agbaitoro, Dr. Jumoke Olowookere, Patricia Ubiaza-Eze, Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, Nenritmwa Gotodok, Dr. Afolasade Adewumi, Dr. Peter Oniemola, and Agbo Chinonso Bathlomeo. They discussed the environmental and social impacts of desertification and land degradation, examined existing legal frameworks, and stressed the importance of community engagement in building resilience.