TheCable

Mohammad Abubakar, minister of environment, says the federal government is developing a framework that will help Nigerians adapt to the impact of climate change.

Abubakar said this at a conference organised by GreenHubAFrica in commemoration of World Environment Day.

Speaking at the webinar themed, ‘Climate Action and Biodiversity Restoration’, the minister said the intended framework will use natural solutions as part of the overall adaptation strategy for climate change.

Represented by Halima Bawa-Bwari, director of climate change at the ministry, Mahmood added that the goal is to help Nigerians maximise the benefits of the environment.

He also said the ministry will implement afforestation programmes that will help restore Nigeria’s ecosystem.

“This framework is intended to use biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change as the whole world is turning to nature-based solutions,” the minister said.

“In implementing this framework, Nigeria will not just be restoring the lost ecosystem and her biodiversity, but it would also strengthen her capacity, build resilience to the impact of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of communities.

“As we work to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic, let us not forget that the condition of the ecosystem and its biodiversity often results in greater contact between humans and fauna (animals), both domestic and flora (plants), which disposes us to the risks of zoonotic diseases.

“So, we conserve ecosystems and biodiversity for our own good and survival. I encourage us all to play our part individually and collectively in restoring our ecosystems, fighting climate change and biodiversity loss.”