Introduction
Human beings thrive well in greenery because it mainly helps the process of functioning of the respiratory system. Green plants release oxygen that the body absorbs and removes carbon dioxide. It is clearly a symbiotic relationship between the two that makes it necessary for individuals to always be surrounded by green in their space.
Impact of Nigeria gardens and parks on human and state development
In an attempt to keep plants as alive in the environment, gardens and parks were established. Gardens and parks are planned spaces used for the cultivation, display and enjoyment of plants and also for recreation.
These areas are very helpful to the environment because it conserves energy and absorbs noise, providing a habitat for plant and animal life. It also provides cardiovascular benefits, increases calcium levels due to exposure to sunlight, and provides healthier, greener foods.
As parks and gardens contribute to human life, they also contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
Parks and gardens have greatly helped the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.
As of 2019, the contribution of travel and tourism to Nigeria’s GDP economy was 5.1%. The parks and gardens are apparent areas of tourist attraction that connote their undoubted contribution to the economic development of Nigeria. It boosts tourism revenue and acts as an entertainment environment for festivals, concerts, etc.
Expenditures on parks and gardens are also responsible for a significant part of economic activity.
The services of workers
The services of workers such as landscapers, arborists, facility managers, horticulturists, concession staff, first responders, custodians, etc. they are necessary for the proper maintenance and operation of parks and gardens. The result of this is an increase in the level of employment and the creation of job opportunities.
Green environments are known to conserve energy and absorb pollutants. Left undetected, it reduces medical costs due to its conducive environment that encourages exercise, allows people to stay fit, and brings individuals and families together for fun and recreation.
The recreational benefits
The recreational benefits of vegetables increase life expectancy through the significant decrease in pollutants in the environment; promotion of physical activities and encourages community gathering; improvement in the quality of the air that people breathe and provides a plant reserve.
Community and family crises and crime rates are at their lowest levels because parks and gardens create avenues for gatherings; interpersonal communication between people; children and their families connect with nature and play together; and active citizenship.
The parks and gardens contain a greenery that often coexists with birds and animals. Direct exposure to flora and fauna increases the knowledge of children and young people about their natural habitat, encouraging them to be scientists, botanists, etc. creates the desire in individuals to learn about nature.
The parks and gardens that can be visited in Nigeria and their locations are;
1) Gashaka-Gumti National Park, located in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa up to the border with Cameroon.
2) Yankari Game Reserve National Park, located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria.
3) Lekki Conservation Center in Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
4) Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI) Nature Park in Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
5) Agodi Gardens in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
6) Millennium Park in the Maitama district, Abuja, Nigeria.
7) Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
