The northern chapter of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria has called for stronger efforts toward land restoration, sustainable land management and drought resilience to address environmental challenges confronting the North.

The chairperson of the chapter, Hadiza Mohammed Lere, made the call in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day.

Ms Lere said the theme reflected the realities facing the North, where land degradation, advancing desertification and recurring drought continued to threaten ecosystems, livelihoods, food security and sustainable development.

According to her, the loss of productive land, declining agricultural yields, shrinking vegetation cover and growing pressure on water resources underscore the need for urgent and coordinated environmental action.

She said landscape architects had a critical role to play in reversing environmental degradation through the planning, design, management and stewardship of both natural and built environments.

“SLAN advocates the restoration of degraded landscapes through the use of indigenous and climate-resilient plant species, strategic afforestation and reforestation programmes, sustainable land management practices, erosion control measures and the protection of critical ecological assets,” she said.

Ms Lere noted that sustainable landscape development extended beyond environmental restoration, contributing to food security, public health, economic productivity, climate adaptation and social stability.

She added that properly planned landscapes could enhance agricultural resilience, improve environmental quality and strengthen the capacity of communities to withstand environmental and socio-economic challenges.

The chairperson urged government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, private sector organisations, educational institutions and communities to integrate landscape architecture expertise into development planning and project implementation.

According to her, climate-responsive landscape design, sustainable water management systems, urban greening initiatives and the preservation of green and open spaces are essential for building resilient and livable communities.

Ms Lere also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia, professional bodies, civil society organisations and local communities to promote research, innovation, policy development and practical interventions to restore degraded lands.

She said such partnerships were necessary to strengthen drought resilience and address the environmental challenges affecting the region.

Ms Lere reaffirmed the society’s commitment to advancing sustainable landscape development and supporting initiatives that safeguard environmental resources for present and future generations.

“Land restoration is not merely an environmental obligation; it is an investment in food security, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and national resilience,” she said.

She urged stakeholders and citizens to embrace the global #GenerationRestoration campaign and take deliberate actions toward a greener, healthier and more sustainable future.

(NAN)