Why is little or nothing being done to save Nigeria’s fragile forests?
This is the constant poser by concerned environmentalists, at national and international engagements, on the colossal loss of trees across the country.
Apart from the heavy dependence of wood for fire, charcoal, animal feed, the nation’s rich woodlands are further threatened by herders and unscrupulous elements.
The nonchalance over global targets on conservation, is perhaps, part of the lackadaisical attitude of government to social, health and environmental challenges bedeviling the nation.
Sadly, the human devastation and exploitation of the plant kingdom, in virtually all regions, is unprecedented.
These ancient reserves have become special havens for nefarious activities, grazing and logging.
As a result, these precious plantations, animals, fish and rivers are seriously threatened.
There are concerns that some of these flora and fauna, may become extinct. Ample research has shown that some of these species contain rare genetic codes, capable of aiding scientific and medical breakthrough.
It is therefore imperative that relevant agencies must find the courage to end this fiasco, despite political pressures or resistance by illegal occupants.
It is most disconcerting that, the current administration seems unperturbed about this degradation, or it is simply ignorant of the dangerous consequences of these violations, especially the impact on global warming, ozone layer depletion, human survival and green recovery.
The flagrant destruction of these forests is poses major risks to the community, humans and the ecosystem.
The World Bank captures the value of the forested world succinctly.
‘Forests cover about a third of the earth’s land area and are essential to the health of our environment. For example, trees and forests absorb and store much of the carbon dioxide that otherwise would be contributing to climate change.’
‘Forests are home to about 80 percent of remaining terrestrial biodiversity. Forests also regulate water cycles, maintain soil quality, and reduce the risks of natural disasters such as floods.’
‘Many of these services are undervalued, although they are key to the resilience and green growth of local, national and global economies. Increasing finance for forest conservation and protection is a priority – particularly at a time when natural systems are coming under demographic, economic and climatic pressure.’
The quantum of loss is humongous.
‘The world loses about 14.5 million hectares of forests each year. Worldwide, an estimated 2 billion hectares of lost or degraded forest landscapes could be restored and rehabilitated, returning landscapes and communities to their healthy productive potential.’
It is quite cheery that conservation of forested areas is currently on the front burner of the global agenda for climate action and green recovery.
This remarkable pursuit, to protect wildlife and biodiversity, is not only compelling, but critical to the survival and existence of humanity and the earth.
Despite the raging battle for the nation’s fledgling forest reserves and the ethnic-cum-religious undercurrents, efforts must be made to rid these areas of criminals and hoodlums.
While other societies are making hefty investments in sustainable ecological systems by cradling these endangered territories, some nationals in collusion with foreigners, are busy hacking down plantations.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, enforcement is weak because the legal framework is murky and heavily politicized, hence the destruction of biodiversity remains intractable.
Other factors are wood felling, use of fire wood for domestic and industrial purposes, overpopulation, urbanization, criminal activities, mining and cattle grazing.
Sustainable management practices notably forestation, afforestation and effective legislation, will definitely contribute significantly towards reducing erosion, desertification, landslides, soil degradation and vegetation loss.
Importantly too, policy makers should promote public awareness about mitigation initiatives, including the ‘Green Recovery Nigeria Initiative,’ which aims at recovering about 25 percent of tree cover within the next three decades.
Forests, provide a wide range of resources and ecosystem services such as storage of carbon, production of oxygen vital for human life, as well as regulation of hydrological cycle, water purification, protection of wildlife and absorption of toxic gases.
According to United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), deforestation in Africa is twice the whole world rate, even as Nigeria ‘has lost about 96 percent of its natural forest.’
It is such a catastrophic situation that the country’s vegetation is disappearing. As of late 2012, nearly half of Nigeria was forested, which is land with more than 10 per cent tree cover, but the country’s rainforests are fast declining.
Nigeria lost nearly 80 per cent of its forests between 1990 and 2005, giving the sardonic variance of having the highest deforestation rate of natural forest on the planet during that period.’
According toFood and Agriculture Organization(FAO) Nigeria’s forest reserve is one of the most threatened on the planet, because of the high population growth rates, conversion for subsistence, industrial agriculture, and illegal logging.
Halting these degradations requires stringent policies aimed at achieving better climatic conditions and biodiversity outcomes.
As migrant herders move from the arid north, to the south, in search of grass for their flock, they clash with local farmers over water and pasture.
Gory details of dastardly acts perpetuated in these hotspots are gruesome.
Innocent citizens are dying in their droves, over these intractable conflicts.
No part of the country is spared from these bloody attacks and deaths, particularly in the Middle belt and south regions.
The land reeks of blood. The clamour to end this onslaught needs to be heightened, for the expected change.
Nigeria cannot afford to continue to lose its coveted environmental treasures.
•Ojukwu is a Fellow of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship journalist and author. She is a campaigner for improved socio-economic well-being of all citizens.
She wrote this treatise, in honour of her late father and committed forest conservationist, Sir Samuel Igboeli.
