Guardian newspaper Nigeria

Deforestation goes beyond protecting endangered species; there are also trade in wildlife and hunting. Importation and exportation and consumption of bush ...

That’s what we are trying to do through the media and make people aware of the impact of loss of biodiversity. We expect the government to take up the programme on a bigger scale and make them legal meat suppliers. Now, the people are telling us they no longer sell pangolin meat because of the education and awareness. Another thing we have piloted and hoping the government would take it up on the long run is providing people involved in bush meat trade with alternative income. So far, the result is quite encouraging and it may be very early to assess the programme. It is very straight in America and Britain, as officials are not allowed to accept even a cup of coffee. The government should ensure that officials are paid fair salaries, so that they don’t try to subsidise it with corrupt activities. In Nigeria, the rate of deforestation has continued to increase and putting to risk endangered species. One of the things that need to happen is to have stronger laws. It is also about awareness and publicity, while government should follow up these cases and be transparent in prosecutorial activities. So, it is a combination of laws, enforcement and public awareness. When you have the law, off course you have to enforce them.