World Environment Day: Experts advocate nature-based solutions to combat desertification in North

The Northern Chapter of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) has urged governments, institutions and communities to adopt nature-based solutions to tackle the growing threats of desertification, land degradation and drought across Northern Nigeria.

The call was made by the chapter's Chairperson, Hadiza Mohammed Lere, in a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.

The global celebration is themed, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”

Lere said the environmental challenges confronting the region were becoming increasingly severe, with shrinking vegetation, declining soil fertility and water scarcity affecting livelihoods and economic activities.

She noted that restoring degraded landscapes was critical to safeguarding agricultural productivity, protecting biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of communities against climate-related shocks.

According to her, landscape architecture offers practical and sustainable approaches to environmental recovery through ecological planning, green infrastructure development and the rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems.

"Investments in landscape restoration can significantly improve environmental health while creating opportunities for economic growth, food production and community development," she said.

Lere stressed the importance of expanding afforestation initiatives, protecting watersheds, promoting climate-smart land use practices and encouraging the use of indigenous plant species capable of adapting to harsh environmental conditions.

She also advocated the integration of green spaces and sustainable drainage systems into urban development plans to improve environmental quality and reduce the impact of climate change.

The chairperson called on policymakers, development agencies, researchers and private sector stakeholders to strengthen partnerships aimed at addressing environmental degradation through innovative and science-based interventions.

She said collaboration among relevant stakeholders would help accelerate efforts to restore degraded lands and improve the region's capacity to withstand prolonged drought and desert encroachment.

Lere further urged educational institutions and professional bodies to support research and capacity building in landscape management to enhance sustainable environmental practices.

She reaffirmed SLAN's commitment to promoting environmentally responsible development and supporting initiatives that advance ecological restoration and climate resilience.

"Protecting and restoring our landscapes is fundamental to securing a sustainable future for communities, economies and ecosystems alike," she said.

Lere encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in environmental conservation efforts and support global actions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems for future generations.