Education
Foundation canvasses environmental sustainability for healthier future – EnviroNews
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The People, Planet and Peace Foundation (PPPF) has called for greater commitment to environmental sustainability to promote healthier communities and secure a healthier future.
Mr. Olatunji Francisco, Lead, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC) in Africa, made the call on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during the team’s visit to the Lekki Conservation Centre to mark the completion of the West African phase of the caravan.
The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.
According to him, environmental sustainability has become one of the defining issues of the 21st century.
‘’As the world grapples with climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on natural resources, the need to protect the environment has never been more urgent.
‘’Building a healthier future depends on how well individuals, communities, businesses, and governments manage the environment today.
‘’Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible use and protection of natural resources to ensure that present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he said.
He said a healthy environment was closely linked to human health, noting that clean air, safe drinking water, fertile soil and healthy ecosystems were essential for food security, disease prevention and overall well-being.
Francisco said environmental degradation had contributed to rising cases of respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, heat-related deaths and food insecurity.
“Climate change has also intensified floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, affecting millions of people across the world.
‘’Sustainable practices offer practical solutions to these challenges. Governments can enact and enforce environmental protection laws, invest in renewable energy, improve waste management systems, and promote climate-resilient infrastructure.
‘’Businesses can adopt cleaner production methods, reduce carbon emissions, and embrace the circular economy by minimising waste and recycling materials,” he said.
Also speaking, CBBC Secretary for Nigeria, Olabisi Kumuyi, said communities and individuals also had critical roles to play in promoting environmental sustainability.
Kumuyi said tree planting, proper waste disposal, recycling, reducing plastic use, conserving water and electricity, and supporting environmentally friendly products all contributed to sustainability.
She added that environmental education could empower citizens, particularly young people, to become responsible stewards of nature.
She said environmental sustainability was particularly important in Africa because many livelihoods depended directly on natural resources.
According to her, protecting forests, wetlands, rivers and farmlands enhances food production, supports biodiversity and strengthens resilience against climate-related disasters.
‘’Sustainable development can also create green jobs, improve public health, and stimulate economic growth.
‘’International cooperation remains essential. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land), provide a global framework for environmental protection,” she said.
A CBBC participant, Mr. Maraiyesa Omotayo, urged countries to collaborate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, financing climate adaptation and sharing innovative technologies.
According to him, environmental sustainability is not merely an environmental issue but one of human survival.
“Every action taken to conserve nature today is an investment in healthier communities, stronger economies, and a more resilient planet.
”By embracing sustainable practices and protecting the Earth’s natural resources, society can secure healthier futures for present and future generations.
‘’Environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. Collective action today will determine whether future generations inherit a planet capable of sustaining healthy lives, thriving ecosystems, and lasting prosperity.”
Earlier, Mr. Anyebe Charles, Field Conservation Officer of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), described the Lekki Conservation Centre as one of Nigeria’s foremost eco-tourism destinations.
Charles said the centre, established in 1990 by the NCF, was created to preserve the biodiversity of the Lekki Peninsula while promoting environmental education and sustainable tourism.
According to him, the centre is home to Africa’s longest canopy walkway, stretching more than 400 metres above the forest.
Charles said the 78-hectare reserve provides a safe habitat for numerous species of birds, monkeys, reptiles, butterflies and indigenous plants, while serving as a refuge for wildlife threatened by rapid urbanisation.
He added that the centre also supports climate resilience, with its wetlands and forests acting as natural carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide, regulate local temperatures, improve air quality and reduce flooding by retaining excess rainwater.
He noted that the centre also offers visitors a serene environment away from the noise and congestion of Lagos.
By Gabriel Agbeja