The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Forest Center has launched Nigeria’s first certified Tree Heritage Park, preserving over 100 indigenous tree species and providing a safe refuge for threatened trees. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has taken a significant step towards preserving Nigeria’s rich biodiversity with the unveiling of the country’s first certified Tree Heritage Park. Located within the IITA Forest Center, this groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to the conservation of over 100 indigenous tree species, many of which are threatened or endangered. The Tree Heritage Park serves as a vital sanctuary for these trees, safeguarding them for future generations and highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. This pioneering effort by IITA not only underscores the organization’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the country. By preserving these indigenous species, the park will contribute to maintaining ecological balance, supporting local ecosystems, and promoting biodiversity. Furthermore, the Tree Heritage Park is poised to become an important educational and research hub, offering opportunities for scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts to learn about and engage with Nigeria’s unique tree species. As Nigeria continues to face challenges related to deforestation and environmental degradation, the establishment of this park is a timely and commendable initiative that underscores the importance of preserving our natural world.
The Tree Heritage Park, affectionately known as the “Noah’s Ark” of Nigerian threatened trees, is a groundbreaking conservation effort that’s earned international recognition. This incredible park, nestled within IITA’s 350-hectare Forest Reserve, has become Nigeria’s first certified Tree Heritage Park, accredited by ArbNet as a Level II Tree Heritage Park in 2022. This achievement puts Nigeria on the global conservation map, showcasing the country’s commitment to preserving its rich forest biodiversity. The park spans five hectares, safeguarding over 100 indigenous tree species, including endangered, threatened, and culturally significant trees. These trees were previously at risk of extinction due to deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal logging. The park’s origins date back to the 1970s, when pioneering scientists and forest custodians such as Phil Hall, Prof. Shiiwuwa Manu, Dr David Ladipo, Dr John Peacock, and Deni Bown who worked tirelessly to document and protect this unique botanical heritage. Today, the Tree Heritage Park is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s natural world, providing a safe haven for these precious trees to thrive.
Nigeria’s forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, with thousands of hectares lost annually, and many native tree species facing extinction. Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and climate change are driving this destruction, with devastating consequences for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and rural livelihoods. The Tree Heritage Park is a beacon of hope, providing a safe haven for threatened trees and serving as a model for national restoration efforts. The IITA Forest Center is taking bold action, raising seedlings to restore nearly 1,000 hectares of degraded forest in Olokemeji, Ogun State, and supporting restoration projects nationwide with indigenous seedlings. They’re also inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders, with over 63 conservation clubs established in schools, nurturing young minds to become stewards of the environment. This is a community-driven response to the environmental crisis, and it’s making a real difference.
Nigeria’s rich forest heritage is on the brink of collapse, with native trees facing extinction due to human activities and climate change. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged with the establishment of the Tree Heritage Park, a pioneering conservation effort by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Forest Center. “Our forests are libraries of cultural, ecological, and scientific knowledge. Every native tree lost is a chapter erased forever,” said Dr. Adewale Awoyemi, Head of the IITA Forest Center. The park, which has earned international recognition, is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
The park is a “rescue mission” for many endangered tree species, according to Dr. David Ladipo, Patron of the IITA Forest Center. “This living gene bank is more than a collection of trees; it is a symbol of hope for the future of our planet,” he added. Experts say the park’s significance goes beyond conservation, as it serves as a hub for scientific research, education, and community engagement. “This park demonstrates how passion-backed science can transform conservation,” said Prof. Kunle Adekile, Professor of Pediatric Haematology and Nature Lover. “When communities, students, and experts come together, we create a future where nature and people thrive together,” he added. The Tree Heritage Park is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s environment, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.
The establishment of the Tree Heritage Park has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s environmental conservation efforts. It sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the country, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous tree species and promoting biodiversity. The park’s success will likely inspire other organizations and communities to take similar action, contributing to a national effort to restore degraded forests and protect threatened tree species. The Tree Heritage Park is a groundbreaking conservation effort that marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to preserve its natural heritage. By safeguarding over 100 indigenous tree species, the park provides a safe haven for threatened trees and serves as a model for national restoration efforts. As Nigeria continues to face environmental challenges, the Tree Heritage Park stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of community-driven conservation and the importance of protecting our natural world. The park’s impact will be felt for generations to come, inspiring a future where nature and people thrive together.