By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) celebrates a remarkable success in its Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) program, having planted 276,860 trees in 2023.
Mr. Oladapo Soneye, Head of Communications at NCF, announced this achievement, highlighting the program’s broader initiatives promoting reforestation across 25% of Nigeria’s landmass from 2017 to 2047.
Beyond tree planting, GRN includes training on fuel-efficient cook stoves, clean water provision, eco-guard employment, tree nursery establishment, and non-timber forest product enterprise development.
The program aims to reduce dependence on forests, combat deforestation, promote wildlife conservation, and deter criminal activities in forest reserves.
Beneficiary communities, including Iko Esai, Becheve, Ajingi, Guzape, and Awka-Etiti, attest to the positive impact on livelihoods. Trees, strategically planted in various locations, span the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, contributing to environmental sustainability.
NCF’s impactful projects are possible through collaborations with partners like the German Government, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, AFR100, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, and others.
With over 40 years of championing nature conservation, the NCF remains dedicated to fostering a sustainable coexistence between humans and nature, contributing to a greener and healthier Nigeria.