Minister of environment, Balarabe Lawal, has advocated for the adoption of innovative methodologies to enhance conservation efforts across Nigeria.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2025 World Ranger Day celebration, organised by the National Park Service.

The event was themed: “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation.”

“Transformative conservation necessitates innovative strategies. We must harness technology and adopt new methodologies to improve our conservation efforts,” the minister said.

He highlighted the importance of tools such as drone surveillance, tracking software, and aerial satellites in boosting the efficiency of rangers.

“I am aware that the Conservator-General is making significant progress in this direction by employing IT-based tools to protect our national parks, including helicopters, drones, SMART technology, and cyber trackers.

“This commendable initiative is elevating Nigeria’s conservation landscape to align with global standards,” Mr Lawal added.

He also noted that although World Ranger Day was globally observed on July 31, unforeseen circumstances led to a delay in Nigeria’s commemoration.

“World Ranger Day is a significant event established by the International Ranger Federation (IRF), in collaboration with the Thin Green Line Foundation (TGLF), to honour Rangers who have lost their lives or sustained injuries while protecting the planet’s natural resources.

“It also serves as a reminder of the vital role Rangers play in conserving our critical biodiversity,” the minister said.

Ibrahim Goni, conservator-general of the National Park Service, described rangers as the “unsung heroes of conservation.”

“They work tirelessly, often under challenging conditions, to safeguard our environment, preserve biodiversity, and educate our communities.

“On this special day, we celebrate their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment. Their legacy inspires us all and underscores the importance of our collective mission to preserve Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage,” Mr Goni stated.

In a goodwill message, Chris Galliers, president of the IRF, represented by deputy conservator of park, Dikko Bala, emphasised the need for partnerships and citizen engagement.

“Government alone cannot achieve meaningful conservation. As we celebrate World Ranger Day, we urge stakeholders, including donor agencies and NGOs, to support Rangers in their critical work.

“The media also plays a vital role in advocacy and sensitisation, and we call on them to help highlight the importance of Ranger welfare and conservation,” Mr Galliers said.

Also speaking, Rep. Mike Etaba, chairman of the House of Representatives committee on environment, stressed the importance of conserving wildlife and pledged the support of the House of Representatives to the National Park Service’s efforts.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to outstanding rangers and the symbolic release of birds.

(NAN)