Media practitioners under the auspices of Media Action for Health, Environment and Sustainable Development, (MAHESD), has called on government at all levels as well as the citizens to safe the future by addressing the current environmental challenges facing the globe.
MAHESD made the call on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State capital through its Program Officer, Joel Gomiyar, on the occasion of this year’s World Environment Day.
The Jos based media practitioners group noted that the 2024 World Environment Day focuses on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience, with the slogan “Our land Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
They called on Plateau State Government to repeal the environment law to capture the conservation of biodiversity and advocated stiffer penalties on violators.
The group also advised the Government to consider waste sorting, disposal as a business and key into it, as well look into banning the use of single use plastics in the state.
MAHESD called on the Plateau State Government to give urgent attention to the Jos wildlife park by restoring it’s loss glory.
The statement said most of the environmental risks facing the state and the world at large today are primarily caused by human activities hence, the urgent call to address these environmental challenges.
“Faced with this reality, we are here to enlighten the public to protect and revive the ecosystem which is critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. God mandated man to care for and not destroy the beautiful environment He created. It’s expected of us to keep the environment clean and maintain that which God created.” The statement added.
While calling for urgent action to address the challenges, the organization noted that “time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode hence the call on government at all levels, critical stakeholders and all citizens to take immediate actions to preserve the environment.”
The statement made 10 appealed in critical areas that needs to be address to safe the future to include call on government and all stakeholders to end indiscriminate deforestation and habitat destruction, end indiscriminate mining and land degradation.
Other areas are need to manage gully erosion, end indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, address water pollution and contamination and Climate Change and Global Impact.
“As fourth estate of the realm, we must contribute our quota to heal the environment by raising awareness to educate the public about the environmental issues we face.
“Supporting Sustainable Practice by advocating for, and embracing sustainable practices in our daily lives, such as reducing waste, and conserving energy. Pushing for policy changes by urging the government to implement policies that promote sustainable renewable and environmental protection.
“Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode hence the call on government at all levels, critical stakeholders and all citizens to take immediate actions to preserve the environment.
“We must all rise to ensure a clean and healthy environment.” The statement added.