World Biodiversity Day 2022: Nature Conservation Campaigner calls for valourisation of ecosystems, species

By Bakah Derick 

A Bamenda based Nature Conservation Campaigner has express the wish for everyone to valourise species and ecosystems in an effort to protect biodiversity. Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy, Environmentalist and Director of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) was speaking to www.hilltopvoices.com on Monday 23 May 2022 a day after the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity. 

Observed with the slogan “Building a shared future for all life”, world Biodiversity Day according to Wirsiy Emmanuel concerns everyone. 

Picture courtesy CAMGEW Facebook page 

"It is a reminder to us all to know that all species and ecosystems matter. The world genetic resources is a gift from nature to us. The various species, ecosystems and genetic resources are also needed by future generation and so we have the obligation to use it and hand it to them in a healthy state." He said 

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) explains that "The slogan was chosen to continue building momentum and support for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework to be adopted at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference #COP15."

Graphics courtesy Convention on Biological Diversity 

According to the CBD Secretariat, "Biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better." 

The United Nations on her part state that "when biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem."

"Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 per cent of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare." The global body explains

The loss of biodiversity, the UN adds "threatens all, including our health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses - diseases transmitted from animals to humans- while, on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses." 

Following the importance of awareness and sensitisation on the issues around this day, Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy made this call "Let all of us individually, locally, nationally and internationally be cautious of this in our action." 

The North West of Cameroon is known to have a rich biodiversity that needs concerted efforts for its protection.