Experts and scholars in renewable natural resources have said that effective management and use of natural resources is pivotal to attaining sustainable development.

The experts included the Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Labode Popoola; the Country Representative of World Fish in Nigeria, Sunil Sriwadana; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of UI, Professor Adejoke Akinyele; Prof. Abiodun Oluwadare of the Forest Production and Product Department of the premier university, and others.

They stated this during the five-day maiden hybrid conference organized by the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Postgraduate College of the University of Ibadan.

The conference, with the theme “Renewable Natural Resources Management and Use: A path to Sustainable Development,” was held at the First Bank Building, Faculty of Agriculture, of the university. The conference was attended by the university’s management team, deans of other faculties, retired professors from the faculty, government officials, researchers, scholars, international participants, NGOs, early-career researchers, and students.

The event was powered by UI, IUFRO, FEMADEC Group, Fan Milk, NCF, WorldFish, 360′ Habitat Limited, Amarac Technologies Incorporated, UI Distance Learning Centre, FOJ MultiDynamics and the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN).

Speaking, the keynote speaker, Prof. Popoola, said renewable natural resources were not infinite, submitting that when managed wisely, they regenerate and continue to provide essential goods and ecosystem services that sustain human life and economic growth.

The former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University asserted that renewable natural resources were central to six transformations: education, gender and inequality; health, wellbeing and democracy; energy decarbonisation and sustainable industry; sustainable food, land, water, and oceans; sustainable cities and communities; and digital revolution for sustainable development.

The Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan urged researchers to collaborate with a broad spectrum of actors, including multinational corporations, local governments, regional and international institutions, and civil society organisations.

He recommended that the government must prioritise integrated policies that promote the sustainable use and stewardship of renewable resources, invest in innovation, science and capacity building, support circular and inclusive green economies, promote sustainable production and consumption, integrate renewable resources into the global sustainability agenda, strengthen renewable natural resources and sustainability education and research amongst others.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Adebowale, said the path to sustainable development is paved with the wise management of renewable natural resources. The VC pointed out that Nigeria and Africa’s rich endowment of natural resources formed the bedrock of economies, cultures, and ecosystems. He asserted that sustainable management and innovative use of renewable natural resources are not optional ideas but the only viable path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Dean of the faculty, Prof. Akinyele, said the conference, tagged “Renewable 2025”, provided a vital platform for scientists, foresters, wildlife experts, extension workers, trainers, fishery professionals, government officials, NGOs and other stakeholders to share their research, discuss challenges and forge meaningful collaborations.

On his part, Prof. Oluwadare said the programme was to underscore the importance of the environment, climate change, and renewable resources management in achieving sustainable development.

In his remarks, the Country Representative of World Fish in Nigeria, Sriwadana, lauded the initiative for its focus on renewable resources management, which he noted is very important.

He said, “Water is in high demand and almost all the sectors are competing for water. Therefore, unless we have a clear understanding of the water demand outlook for the next 10 years, we will be in trouble. So we need to have a good understanding.

“Nigeria has good policies in place. Recently, we collaborated with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to assist in developing their first policy on fisheries and aquaculture. I believe there are many good policies. The only thing is it has to be implemented and adopted.”

In his remarks, the Conservator of Park, Old Oyo National Park, Teslim Adeniyi Kareem, called for the proper protection of the environment for sustainable development.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee [LOC] of the conference, Dr Siyanbola Omitoyin, said the goal was to chart a new course for renewable natural resources management and development, adding that “many of our natural resources have been depleted or used unsustainably. We want to ensure that future generations have a sustainable future.”