Once again, attention has been drawn to the catastrophic impact of the uncontrolled felling of trees and its significant contribution to the escalating challenge of climate change.
In Nigeria, the consequences of reckless tree felling on the climate have become increasingly evident, as manifested by the rapid desertification in the North, gully erosion in the East, flooding in the West, and the depletion of vegetation cover in the South.
The relentless pursuit of economic development has driven the exploitation of forests, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and posing long-term threats to the ecosystem.
Research reveals that Nigeria’s forest cover has dwindled to less than 10% of the 25% threshold stipulated by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Paddy Ezeala, an Environmentalist, highlighted that Nigeria loses approximately 4% of its forests annually, a percentage deemed the highest globally, with an estimated 1.5 million trees being felled illegally every day, leading to a 3.5% deforestation rate per year.
“There is an urgent need to cultivate more environmentally and socially equitable approaches to forest management in Nigeria. The wanton destruction of forests across the country must be curbed,” Ezeala emphasized.
Studies indicate that the rate of forest depletion has tripled, particularly in Cross River, Ondo, Ogun, and certain parts of the North Central States.
According to the Global Forest Watch, Cross River lost 10.7 kha of its forest cover to tree felling in 2022, resulting in an equivalent emission of 6.58 Mt of CO₂.
Similarly, Ogun State lost 7.41 kha of its forest cover to reckless tree felling, equivalent to 6.01 Mt of CO₂ emissions, while Ondo lost 8.08 kha of its tree cover, amounting to 6.34 Mt of CO₂ emissions.
Experts emphasize that the emission of CO₂ is a direct consequence of the rampant illegal logging and tree felling across the country.
Ezeala, who also serves as the Publisher of Development Agenda Magazine, highlighted at a recent seminar on “Climate Change and COP28” that the absence of a valuation system for forest resources, to ensure adequate compensation when destroyed by individual or corporate negligence, is compounding the problem.
“Forests play a vital role in a wide range of critical environmental and climatic functions. They provide habitats for species and hold profound economic, aesthetic, industrial, and religious significance for humans,” Ezeala remarked.
Ezeala underscored the necessity of leveraging the potential of forests for eco-tourism and scientific research, rather than perpetuating the ongoing illegal logging and wildlife trafficking.
“There are animal species unique to Nigeria, such as the Ibadan malimbe, Anambra waxbill, Jos indigo bird, white-throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster pococki), Niger Delta pygmy hippo, and Niger Delta red colobus monkey,” Ezeala pointed out.
“The question arises – what measures have been taken to protect, harness, and develop these natural endowments? We should devise a sustainable development strategy that ensures human prosperity while harmonizing with the natural environment,” he added.
To safeguard forests, natural habitats, and enhance biodiversity, the expert urged prioritizing tree preservation, planting more trees, and securing as many green areas as possible.
