By Ibukun Emiola
The Conservator of Old Oyo National Park, Teslim Kazeem, has called for collective efforts to protect biodiversity and endangered species to support robust and healthy living.
Kazeem in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a visit to the park, said the Federal Government has invested huge amounts in preserving and conserving the flora and fauna for a better life.
He explained that biodiversity includes hydrological resources, whose maintenance ensures the supply of clean water to surrounding and supporting communities.
Kazeem noted that with support from 115 communities spread across 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo State, the park has been able to carry out its mandate effectively.
He said the benefits of protecting biodiversity outweigh the immediate gratification poachers or others engaging in illegal activities receive.
“So, it is expected that by the time the party partners with the National Park, they will maintain the watershed. Those trees they are cutting provide shade, and ensure that sustainable water is there for them.
“For food security, the National Park resources have been the bedrock of things that aid agriculture and crop planting across their villages.
“In terms of pollination, getting fruiting for crops to produce good yields is the work of these pollinators-the insects-and they are born within the National Park.
“They fertilize or pollinate most of the crops being planted.
“So, with their support, we jointly conserve this park together,” he said.
He stated that the park also serves its immediate communities by providing employment opportunities for about 95.6 percent of the available jobs in the park.
Kazeem emphasized the need for more support from stakeholders, including kings and traditional rulers, to promote and protect the park.
He highlighted other benefits to the communities, such as increased economic activities and cultural exchange, stressing the need for support to help the park continue to exist and thrive.
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“Tourists from all over the world come to the park for recreation. Over time, most accommodations and hotels established by community members are occupied by tourists, students, and others.
“Even our staff working within the supporting community marry locals and patronize them as well.
“So, we are working together, employing them, sensitizing them, and advising them to continue partnering with us.
“We want them to keep supporting the park’s efforts and activities in the area of commons,” he said.
According to Kazeem, the Federal Government has been very supportive of the park’s activities but needs to increase budgetary allocations.
He noted that the funds received from the government are used judiciously and have been helpful, but more funding is necessary due to the park’s enormous responsibilities.
He called on institutions like non-governmental organisations to partner with the park because of its uniqueness and benefits to humanity.
“Besides promoting, protecting, conserving, and preserving biodiversity, we also promote the culture of the people.
“So, we appeal to NGOs. This park and its natural resources require capital-intensive support,” he said.
The conservator said partnering with the government would bring about effective management of the park, which would make the future of the state and the country great. (NAN)
