Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has called for science-driven conservation measures and stro
The report indicates that professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has called for science-driven conservation measures and stronger stakeholder collaboration to safeguard Africa’s biodiversity and ensure sustainable development.
It further notes that he warned that continued biodiversity loss and environmental degradation could undermine the continent’s food security, climate resilience, public health, water resources and economic growth.
Prof Debrah made the call during his inaugural lecture at UESD in Somanya on the theme: “Biodiversity at the Crossroads: Science, Conservation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
He described biodiversity as the foundation of sustainable development and emphasised that ecosystem protection should be treated as a development priority rather than merely an environmental concern.
The conservation scientist noted that habitat destruction, climate change, illegal mining, deforestation, pollution and land degradation were placing unprecedented pressure on Africa’s ecosystems.
“Conservation should not be regarded as an environmental issue alone but as a development priority requiring strong political commitment and scientific evidence,” he said.
Prof Debrah advocated stronger collaboration among governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations, local communities and the private sector to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.
He emphasised that development should not come at the expense of the natural systems that sustain human life and called for science-based policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Drawing on more than three decades of research, Prof Debrah highlighted his contributions to primate conservation, wildlife management, forest ecology, ecosystem restoration and environmental governance.
He cited his work on endangered primates within the Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem, including the Roloway Monkey, Lowe’s Monkey, White-thighed Colobus and Olive Colobus. Research findings from those projects, he said, had informed conservation policies, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and species recovery programmes.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor advocated community-centred conservation approaches, stressing that local communities must become active partners and beneficiaries of biodiversity protection efforts.
According to him, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education and responsible governance were essential to achieving successful conservation outcomes.
He expressed concern over indiscriminate deforestation and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources across Africa, stressing that development must be pursued without destroying the environment.
Prof Debrah described environmental stewardship as a collective responsibility, saying conservation could not be left in the hands of a few individuals.
