The Knights of Marshall, a Catholic-friendly society has called for a collective action to address the rampant destruction of forests, pollution of rivers, and existential threats to life.

“The loss of the country’s natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and other areas of biodiversity of global significance in the last 30 years, has signaled an urgent call to action,” it said.

A communique issued by the society and signed by its Supreme Knight, Sir Kt Bro Richard Ayih-Akakpo raised concerns about irresponsible logging, land clearance, and agricultural expansion that had led to devastating forest loss, threatening biodiversity, climate regulation, and indigenous communities.

It also touched on the pollution of rivers lakes, and oceans with plastics, chemicals, and waste, imperiling aquatic life, human health, and the global water supply.

It noted that the sediments deposited into water bodies during illegal mining contain heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, and lead, which were toxic to aquatic life and humans.

“The toxic chemicals from illegal mining have been found to cause skin problems, cancer, and other health problems in humans who consume contaminated water,” it said.

Call to Action

It called for the adoption of eco-friendly policies, reduce carbon footprints, and promote renewable energy; protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats; educate, involve, and empower local communities in environmental stewardship and advocate and implement robust environmental regulations and enforcement.

It said together the populace could preserve the natural resources for future generations; ensure a healthy, thriving planet; protect the inherent right to a safe and sustainable environment and develop a spirituality that recognises the theology, ethics, and faith practices that integrate ecology and environment.

The communique noted that the projections were that the world would spend four times the resources required to address the same problems if action is not taken now!

“Our call to “ACT NOW” is both logical and practical! Everyone can do something from the home, school, work place, and above all, our own inner conversion,” it stated.