By Bisola Adeyemo
The Federal Ministry of Environment has said that the ministry will maintain collaboration with local and international partners on sustainable management of forests, biodiversity conservation.
Rasak Kolawole Adekola, Overseeing Head, Department of Forestry said this while highlighting the methods employed to ensure adequate improvements in Nigerian forests.
Speaking with NatureNews correspondent on Friday, Adekola said the ministry will indulge the communities in planting trees by distributing tree seedlings to interested communities, schools, and NGOs to support their tree planting programs.
He also said that sensitization and awareness creation at all levels on the importance of forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems as well as on the dangers of degrading these resources.
Part of the methods according to him are; “We will ensure emplace, review, and implementation of relevant policy, legislative frameworks such as the National Forest Policy, Bill for National Forestry Act, Bill for Timber and Related Products Certification Council Act, Timber Legality Standards, among others.
“Also, there will be Implementation of Afforestation/Reforestation Programme nationwide involving the Federal Ministry of Environment & its Agencies, Corporate organizations, private sector, NGOs, communities.”
Speaking of possible challenges the ministry will encounter, Adekola stated that unpredicted weather conditions occasioned by climate change as well as a high rate of deforestation resulting from local needs and international trade.
He, therefore, urged the general public to support the government to achieve its aims by putting an end to illegal cutting and logging of forest trees.