Environmental Sustainability: Exploring Strategies for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management in Nigeria

The study examines strategies that promote environmental sustainability in the face of food insecurity, environmental management challenges and poverty alleviation efforts which are contributing to the complexity of natural resource management. Among others, the objectives of the study were to: assess the effectiveness of current environmental conservation policies and programs in reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity; and identify and analyze innovative strategies for sustainable resource management that can be implemented across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and industry and explore the impact of community-based conservation efforts on environmental outcomes and local livelihoods. The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine the sample size of 422 out of a population of 9,697. The response rate was 96.44%, resulting in an accepting sample of 407. The study used survey design which involved questionnaire and structured interview for the collection of primary data. Responses from 4-point Likert Scale questionnaire administered were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study finds that even though the current environmental conservation policies and programs are effective in reducing overall pollution levels and that existing environmental conservation programs have been successful in protecting and preserving biodiversity in Nigeria, the effectiveness of policies and programs in reducing pollution in Nigeria is compromised because efficient enforcement is lacking due to inadequate resources, corruption, and lack of political will and many regulatory agencies face challenges in monitoring compliance with environmental laws. Moreover, public education on sustainable practices and pollution prevention is still limited in many areas, and this affects community involvement. Accordingly, among others, the study recommends that for effective enforcement of environmental conservation policies and programs, government should: encourage community involvement through community engagement and education in environmental initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of conservation strategies; promote sustainable agricultural practices, which are essential for environmental conservation; and prioritize renewable energy investment to improve resource management and reduce environmental impact.