Harnessing Nigeria's Biological Diversity in an Integrated Approach to National Development

Abstract

Biological diversity is the number and variety of organism found within a specified geographical region. This paper focuses on the geographical region called Nigeria, a country located in the tropical region which is typically rich in biological diversity. Indeed the variable climatic conditions and physical features have endowed Nigeria with a very rich biological diversity. However, over the last three decades, there have being a progressive decrease in the country’s biological diversity. Nigeria biological diversity has to be restored and conserved due to its relevance to human development in the areas of agriculture, human health, business and industry, leisure, cultural and aesthetic values and ecological services. Nigeria’s biological diversity should thus be harnessed in an integrated approach to national development.

Keywords: Biological diversity, integrated approach, national development, Nigeria