The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has charged the federal and state governments to implement laws on forest crimes.
NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, who gave this charge at the International Day of Forest in Lagos with the theme, ‘Forest and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,’ said if the laws are implemented, it will curb the increase in forest crimes.
He lamented that the non-implementation of the laws has increased forest crimes. “Our partners are working with the National Assembly to review the forest and wildlife crime laws. With all the beautiful laws, our challenge is the implementation. There is a need for the federal and states, other agencies and partners involved in enforcing these laws to be empowered,” he said.
Onoja added that those enforcing these laws should be given the necessary support, equipment and tools needed to carry out their mandate.
He said stakeholders need innovative ways to protect and sustainably manage forests so that they can play their ecosystem roles by preserving human lives. “When we protect nature, it will play its role in helping us live a conducive life. If we don’t have forests, we are doomed because forest produces food, raw materials and habitat that harbour animals that play ecosystem services,” he said.
Onoja advocated innovative ways to preserve forests and ensure sustainable development. “The innovative solutions are through alternative energy sources in the local areas. Deforestation affects the health and development of women and the girl-child. The time the girls need to develop themselves is used to scout for firewood. When they have done this, you find women with children at their back cooking and inhaling the smoke, which also cuts their life span.
“By the time we bring some of these innovative solutions in alternative sources of energy, such as solar and cooking stove, it will help us preserve the forest,” he said.
In his speech, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the aim is to harness the power of innovation to protect and sustainably manage forests.
“Forests are not only essential for biodiversity conservation but also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, providing livelihoods for millions of people, and ensuring the overall well-being of our planet.
“In Lagos State, we recognise the significance of forests and the urgent need to adopt innovative solutions to address the myriad challenges facing them. Rapid urbanisation, deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change are threatening the existence of forests, putting our ecosystems and communities at risk,” he said.
She added that this year’s theme underscores the critical link between forests, sustainable agriculture, and food security, emphasising that state government recognises the interdependence of forests and agriculture, as well as the need to adopt sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and resilience of natural resources.
“The state is committed to promoting sustainable forest management practices, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems. Our forests are not only essential for maintaining ecological balance but also for supporting agricultural productivity, ensuring water availability, and mitigating climate change,” Olusanya said.
She, therefore, called on stakeholders, agencies, farmers, community organisations, businesses, and residents to join hands in protecting and preserving forests. “We must collectively work towards sustainable land use practices, forest conservation, and the promotion of agroforestry initiatives to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
“Through collaborative efforts, public awareness campaigns, and policy interventions, we can ensure the sustainable management of our forests and the promotion of responsible consumption patterns. Together, we can create a greener, more prosperous future for Lagos State, where forests and agriculture thrive in harmony,” she urged.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Rotimi Fashola, said the creation of awareness about forest preservation was something everyone needed to do. “In our small gathering, let’s start to think about nature, you cannot kill nature, it will always fight and win but we all want to be on the positive side of nature. When nature fights, it sweeps everything and I hope nature will not sweep us away,” he said.
