24/05/2026
Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC), Uyo Marks World Biodiversity Day 2026 with Renewed Call for Environmental Protection and Collective Action
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 — The Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC), Uyo today joined the global community in commemorating the 2026 World Biodiversity Day under the theme “Acting locally for global impact", reaffirming its commitment to protecting ecosystems, conserving endangered species, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria and beyond.
Observed annually on May 22, the World Biodiversity Day serves as an important global platform for raising awareness about the urgent need to preserve the planet’s biological diversity. This year’s commemoration comes at a critical moment when climate change, deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable human activities continue to threaten ecosystems and natural habitats worldwide.
Speaking during the event in Uyo, the Executive Director of BPC, Prof. Edem A. Eniang emphasized that biodiversity remains the foundation of life, food security, economic sustainability, and environmental resilience. “Biodiversity is not merely about protecting plants and animals; it is about safeguarding humanity’s future. Every ecosystem destroyed weakens our collective survival. Today, we call on governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to take deliberate and coordinated actions toward environmental preservation,” the Director stated.
The Center noted that Akwa Ibom state being one of the richest states of Nigeria is blessed with rich biological resources, including forests, wetlands, mangroves, wildlife species of global conservation concerns, and marine ecosystems, many of which are increasingly under threat due to illegal logging, largely unplanned urban expansion, oil pollution, poor renewable resources management, absence of well managed protected areas and climate-related disasters.
As part of the 2026 celebration, BPC organized a series of activities such as environmental awareness campaigns including Radio talk show at Excel FM -106.9 Uyo, with colleagues from Academia namely Dr. Mrs. Utibe Akpan of Uniuyo and Mrs Mfon Nkanang, State coordinator of NESREA, Akwa Ibom State (Federal Government Agency), youth engagement sessions, community sensitization programs, tree planting exercises, and stakeholder dialogues aimed at encouraging sustainable environmental stewardship among citizens.
The organization also highlighted the important role young people play in biodiversity conservation, calling for stronger environmental education and greater inclusion of youth voices in climate and conservation policies. According to BPC, preserving biodiversity is essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, clean water, food security, sustainable cities, and life on land and below water.
The Center further urged policymakers at all levels to strengthen environmental laws, support conservation initiatives, invest in ecological restoration, and promote blue and green economic practices that balance development with environmental sustainability. BPC reiterated its readiness to collaborate with local communities, civil society organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, corporate organizations and international development partners in advancing biodiversity conservation initiatives throughout Nigeria.
The organization called on citizens to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles by reducing waste, planting trees, protecting natural habitats, conserving water resources, and supporting eco-friendly practices in their daily activities. Also, parents should encourage their children to plant and own indigenous multipurpose trees. Schools, Religious houses and local communities should establish their woodlots while coastal communities should be encouraged to grow and restore their mangrove habitats.
As the world commemorates the 2026 World Biodiversity Day, the Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC), Uyo remains steadfast in its mission to protect nature, inspire climate action, and build a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Signed
Prof. Edem Eniang -:Executive Director
For BPC Nigeria
