The federal government in Abuja on Wednesday urged stakeholders to ensure continuous support for wildlife conservation for environmental sustainability.

Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, said this at the 2024 World Rangers Day celebration.

“I implore us all to renew our commitments to supporting our rangers and protecting our biodiversity to make our environment a better place to live,” Mr Lawal said.

Mr Lawal, who was represented by Mahmud Kambari, permanent secretary in the ministry, said that Nigeria is indeed taking her rightful position in the global space as far as environmental issues are concerned.

“Rangers are the driving force behind the natural solution we seek; they embody hope and resilience in the face of great challenges,” Mr Lawal said.

He advocated for increased budgetary allocations for the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure sufficient resources are available for it to function effectively.

“We must invest in robust policies and frameworks that empower rangers, creating a conducive environment for them to carry out their important work.

“By doing so, we strengthen our collective efforts and acknowledge the indispensable role rangers play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the minister said.

Ibrahim Goni, Conservator General (CG) of the NPS, said that rangers, beyond being skilled and courageous individuals, epitomise the essence of shared responsibility towards the environment.

“They are the foot soldiers in the battle against deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and climate change,” Mr Goni said.

He said that the event is globally and annually celebrated on July 31 by all the 160 member organisations of the International Rangers Federation (IRF), representing around 60,000 rangers in countries across seven regions.

“This year, therefore, marks the 17th annual commemoration in a row since its inception in 2007.

“The theme for the 2024 event is very important and apt: “Rangers: The Natural Solution to Achieving the 30 by 30 Biodiversity Targets.”

“It encapsulates the pivotal role that rangers play in safeguarding our natural heritage, joining hands to realise the ambitious global goal of conserving 30 per cent of our planet’s land and oceans by 2030,” Mr Goni said.

Chris Galliers, president of the IRF, frowned at the deaths of 140 rangers worldwide.

Mr Galliers, who was represented by assistant conservator general, Oladipo Cornelius, said that the IRF was determined to reduce the death rates of rangers annually.

Temitope Omole, the European Union representative, promised that the union would support all rangers in the ECOWAS region in wildlife conservation.

He assured rangers worldwide of support in the area of training and funding for effective performance of their duties.

Highlights of the event were presentations of awards to outstanding rangers, Garki Secondary School students, and support for the families of deceased rangers.

(NAN)