Impact of environmental degradation on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria

Abstract

Biodiversity is critical for sustainability but it is being increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, such as  abitats’ degradation through deforestation, unsustainable shifting cultivation and draining of wetlands; as well as industrialisation and overexploitation of flora and fauna which includes unsustainable fishing, excessive consumption of fuel wood and overharvesting of medicinal plants. Human modification of the ecosystems does not only lead to biodiversity loss but can also cause a continuous shift in earth’s ecological equilibrium, resulting in degradation and environmental stress. Notably, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) is aimed at averting this impending crisis. This article examines the impact of environmental degradation and conservation on biodiversity in Nigeria and espouses suggestions towards the attainment of sustainable development goals.