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Foremost conservationist in Nigeria, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), says forests are fast thinning out in the country and has, therefore, advised that governments at all levels must ensure that urban planning efforts incorporate green and woodland spaces at every stage of development.
At the moment, less than 5 percent of the total land area in Nigeria, is afforested, and even the sparse forest remainders are under threat with land use pressures from agriculture, infrastructure, housing and resources-harvesting which, NCF notes, are critical drivers of deforestation.
Phillip Asiodu, NCF’s president, recalls that at independence, Nigeria had about 30 percent forest cover but due to human activities, the forests have depleted to about 4 percent, urging for concerted efforts at reforestation of the country.
Governments at all levels in Nigeria have under-appreciation of forests, not just for their important ecosystem functions, but also for human survival and sustainability as carbon sinks and oxygen pool, together with the numerous other benefits they offer.
“While developing a comprehensive reforestation strategy, we must however develop a national database of tree species indigenous to Nigeria, understand the status and plan a wholesome intervention”, advised Joseph Onoja, NCF’s Acting Director General, who spoke at this year’s World Forest Day.
Oloja had a few messages on the importance of forests to humanity. According to him, forests and trees store carbon which helps mitigate the impact of climate change in and around urban areas, adding that trees also improve the local climate and save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent.
“Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent; urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates; trees reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas”, he said.
Continuing, he said, “local populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income; wood fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities provides renewable energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressures on natural forests and our reliance on fossil fuels”.
Forests in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to high-quality freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people just as they also protect watersheds and prevent flooding as they store water in their branches and soil.
Onoja said that well-managed forests and trees in and around cities provide habitats, food and protection for many plants and animals, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.
“Forests in cities and surrounding areas generate tourism, create tens of thousands of jobs and encourage city beautification schemes, building dynamic, energetic and prosperous green economies; urban green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, improve mental health, prevent disease, and provide a place for people to socialize”, he posited.
CHUKA UROKO
