Stakeholders Advocate for 25% Forest Cover to Combat Environmental Degradation
In a decisive call to action, various stakeholders have rallied behind the proposal for the Federal Government to set an ambitious target of 25% forest cover across the nation to combat the surging tide of environmental degradation.
Samuelson Egelege, a notable figure in digital technology, emphasized the critical need for consistent and dedicated efforts towards achieving and sustaining this target. He advocates for annual reviews and continuous monitoring to assess the health and growth of forests, alongside adapting strategies to align with evolving environmental and socio-economic challenges. Additionally, Egelege highlights the importance of engaging communities through forums or workshops to ensure a collective approach toward reaching the 25% forest cover goal.
On similar lines, Babatunde Adegoke of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, sees this target as a milestone in environmental conservation. He points out how urban expansion has led to significant deforestation, aggravating the effects of global warming and environmental degradation. Achieving a 25% forest cover, according to Adegoke, would not only counterbalance the environmental impacts of urbanization but also promote biodiversity, enhance aesthetic values, and preserve natural habitats.
Olufemi Oyedele, leading the charge at Fame Oyster & Co., brings to light a different perspective by addressing how urban green spaces, such as forests, can mask city eyesores like dumps and junkyards. He laments the prevailing disregard for green infrastructure in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need to preserve existing forest covers rather than clearing them for development projects.
Afar from the city landscapes, Afolabi Abiodun, President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, draws attention to the national crisis of rapidly vanishing forests. The alarming rate of deforestation, as Abiodun points out, spells disaster not just for biodiversity but also for soil health and climate regulation, driving up greenhouse gas emissions. Overcoming these challenges demands robust action against corruption, stronger enforcement of environmental laws, and harmonizing land-use priorities.
One notable voice in the advocacy is the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who points to Nigeria’s dire straits with one of the world’s lowest forest covers at merely 3.7%. This stark figure underscores a looming ecological crisis, pressing the need for immediate and impactful measures to recover and expand forested areas to the recommended 25% coverage.
Lawal underscores the urgency in rectifying this situation by seeking presidential backing for proposals aimed at forest regeneration, underscoring the critical link between a healthy forest ecosystem and the nation’s overall well-being. The suggested strategies hinge on a mix of community-based forestry management, sustainable logging, agroforestry, and leveraging indigenous knowledge in forest conservation efforts.
In essence, the collective vision shared by these leaders and stakeholders aims for a future where forests are not merely seen as land awaiting development but as crucial assets for environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and the well-being of communities. As the fight against deforestation gains momentum, the journey towards achieving 25% forest cover represents a beacon of hope and a vital step toward securing a sustainable ecological legacy for generations to come.
Leave a Reply