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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
A Professor of Biogeography and Environmental Management at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Philip Ogbonnia Phil-Eze, has said that geography is the bedrock of environmental management and sustainability.
Phil-Eze said this in Nsukka on Thursday while delivering the UNN 15th Valedictory Lecture, held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the University, with the topic: “Geography: The Bedrock of Environmental Management and Sustainability.”
He said that geography provides the foundational framework for understanding how physical ecosystems and human societies interact across space and scale.
According to him, some of the environmental challenges bedevilling Nigeria and other countries can only be properly tackled with sound geographical/environmental knowledge by citizens.
“Geography is undeniably the bedrock of environmental management and sustainability. Its integrative approach, spatial analytical tools, and emphasis on human environment interactions provide a comprehensive framework for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
“The many environmental
challenges facing Nigeria today, such as erosion, desert encroachment, deforestation, flooding, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change, can
only be effectively tackled through sound geographical/environmental literacy by
citizens.
“This can only be provided through geography knowledge for them to understand these challenges and participate in sustainable solutions.
“Without geographical context, decisions regarding land, resources, and climate policies are made completely blindly. The discipline acts as the ultimate unifier for the social and natural sciences, powering sustainability efforts in several distinct ways,” he said.
Speaking further, the valedictory lecturer said that through Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, regional analysis, and environmental modelling, geography informs effective planning, resource management, and policy
formulation.
“As global environmental pressures intensify, the relevance of geography will continue to grow, and as such, sustainable development cannot be achieved without a geographical understanding of environmental systems and spatial inequalities.
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“Therefore, embedding geographic principles in environmental governance, education and planning are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future,” he said.
Phil-Eze, who is also the current President of the Association of Nigerian Geographers (ANG), however, noted the challenges of applying geography in environmental management, adding that the challenges required increased investment in geographic education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Despite its importance, the application of geography in environmental management faces challenges, including limited access to geospatial data,
insufficient technical capacity and inadequate policy integration.
“Overcoming these challenges requires increased investment in geographic education,
technological infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Future environmental management strategies must embrace geospatial
innovation, participatory mapping, and community-based environmental planning,” he added.
One of the recommendations by the valedictory lecturer to give geography the importance it deserves in UNN is for the management to establish Geography as a faculty, not as a department.
Phil-Eze said he would forever remain indebted to his late parents for giving him a sound education and proper upbringing.
He also expressed appreciation to his wife, whom he said had been a source of support and encouragement at all times, as well as to UNN management for finding him worthy to present the university’s distinguished valedictory lecture
Earlier in a remark, Prof Simon Ortuanya, Vice-chancellor of UNN, represented by Prof Michael Onyia, Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration, described the valedictory lecturer as an erudite lecturer who has used his chosen field to contribute immensely to the university and humanity.
“Today, as Phil-Eze present his valedictory lecture that signalled his retirement from UNN, he will share with the university his wealth of experience of 39 years in service.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a certificate of Valedictory Lecturer certificate to the valedictorian by the VC.
