The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, on Wednesday fulfilled his promise to honour the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, for the rescue and return to habitat of a leatherback sea turtle.
The leatherback turtle is an endangered species protected under the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations and listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The turtle was rescued and safely returned to its natural habitat after it was caught by fishermen. Chief Jejelaiye had stopped community members from killing the turtle while awaiting the arrival of the NGO.
Prof. Barikor described the action as environmental heroism, stating, “We are here to honour you and your community for this act and to tell you that we will use this community as a point of action in advocacy on endangered species.”
In a letter of commendation to the Chief, he said, “Your swift action in mobilizing community members, ensuring the safety of the animal, preventing its exploitation, and promptly notifying relevant environmental authorities for proper handling and release back into its natural habitat is a demonstration of true environmental stewardship.”
The NESREA DG praised Green Fingers Wildlife International for its sensitization and advocacy on wildlife conservation. The letter of commendation to the organisation read, “The leatherback is the largest of all living sea turtles, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under Appendix I of CITES and the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations. Your organisation’s prompt response, technical expertise, humane handling, and adherence to best practices in ensuring the turtle was safely assessed and returned to its natural habitat is highly commendable.”
Presenting Awards of commendation to the Baale and Green Fingers Wildlife International, Prof Barikor said, “At the Agency, our mandate includes protecting biodiversity, maintaining the ecosystem and ensuring that no animal goes extinct, because if they become extinct, the environment begins to suffer some challenges. I commend you all for your action in supporting biodiversity conservation.”
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