FG Reiterates Commitment To Combat Climate Change Through Eco-friendly Practices As Minister Unveils Reforestation, Conservation Plans
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has said that part of the plans of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat and mitigate the effect of climate change is to promote eco-friendly practices such as reforestation, conservation and practices that would foster a culture of sustainability. Salako stated this on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day at Tree Planting Campaign Lunch held at the University of Abuja. He said the Government is committed to increasing its forest cover to meet the recommended 25% cover, restore degraded forests, promote sustainable forest management and conservation.
“The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mission as regards the Environment is to: Promote eco-friendly practices, Support reforestation efforts and Foster a culture of sustainability. The Government is committed to increasing its forest cover to meet the recommended 25% cover, Restore degraded forests, Promote sustainable forest management and conservation, Enhance biodiversity and Ecosystem services and Support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. To this end, one key deliverable of the Federal Ministry of Environment and its agencies in 2024 is to plant at least 6 million trees”, the Minister said.
He said the federal government is driving its forest agenda through The Great Green Wall (GGW) Programme, a15-kilometer-wide green belt across 11 states to combat desertification. The National Forest Programme (NFP) which aims to promote sustainable forest management and conservation as well as the Forestry and Wildlife Management Department which oversees forestry and wildlife conservation are part of the Federal Government’s plans to combat the effect of climate change. He added that The National Park Service (NPS) manages protected areas and national parks while The Nigerian REDD Programme is focused on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
He said the tree planting event was part of the reaffirmation and government’s commitment to protecting the planet’s precious resources. On his part, he had surpassed 50 trees which he promised to plant this year.
“This tree planting ceremony symbolizes our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. acknowledge the urgent need for climate action, recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and emphasizing community engagement in environmental protection.
“Let me further reiterate that tree planting is what all should take to heart. At the beginning of this year, as part of my new year green resolutions, I committed myself to personally plant and nuture at least 50 trees, and I am happy to announce to us that I have surpassed my target and have no plans to stop. My hope is to see a time when e every adult Nigerian plant and nurture at least 1 tree per annum as our personal climate action to address the challenges of climate change which is now staring all of us in the face. We can also this day commit to planting and nurturing trees to commemorate our special occasions such birthday, weeding anniversary and so on.
“As we know, the benefits of trees are many including climate change mitigation , erosion control, water cycle regulation, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, green jobs, livelihood support, economic benefits from sustainable forest management, carbon credits, eco-tourism and so on. I therefore call on all of us to work collaboratively using nature based solutions like tree planting to mitigate the challenges of climate change, preserve natural habitats and ensure a healthier environment for future generation. According to Gary Snyder; “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Trees are considered to be the Lungs of the earth and its said that if the last tree dies the last man standing dies too”, Salako noted.
