Edo partners FG, UN, others to tackle deforestation, enhance environmental sustainability

In a bid to combat deforestation and forest degradation, the Edo State Government has joined forces with the Federal Government, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

This collaboration aims to foster environmental sustainability and ensure the effective management and utilization of forest resources.

These plans were unveiled at a one-day state-level stakeholders’ consultation workshop held in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. The workshop, themed ‘Preservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of lowland forest mosaic in Ogun, Edo, Delta, and Ondo States,’ brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Among the attendees were key figures from Edo State, including the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Osasere Evbuomwan; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Joel Edionwe; and the Edo State Facilitator, Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), Bashiru Kadiri. Delegates from the Edo State Forestry Commission were also present.

Professor Adebayo Shittu, the National Consultant (Sustainable Agriculture) and Team Lead for the Food and Agriculture Organization, addressed the participants. He outlined the project’s objectives, which include improving the sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of lowland forests, protecting globally significant biodiversity, and strengthening the livelihoods of local communities who depend on these forests in Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun States.

He stated, “Deforestation and forest degradation is happening at an alarming rate, resulting in many wildlife habitats being destroyed, farmlands opened to flooding, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gases accumulation, and loss of forest ecosystem, among others.”

“The project includes an integrated landscape management system, protection of the remaining core biodiversity ecosystem, reduction of pressure on diversification through the adoption of sustainable production practices and livelihoods and knowledge management and innovation.”

He further revealed that the Global Environment Facility had allocated $3,502,968 to assist the Federal Government of Nigeria with the project. The project, which falls under the focal area of biodiversity, will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and is expected to run from 2022-2028 (60 Months).

“The government has agreed to address the challenge of deforestation and forest degradation. The money should be used by four states including Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun States of which out of the 12 forest reserves identified, Edo State has the only national park – Okomu National Park- and at least three other forest reserves.”

During the visit, the team will tour the Okomu National Park, the forest reserves, and other key biodiversity hotspots. They will also interact with stakeholders to ensure that the decisions made will benefit those in Edo State, especially the local communities that depend on the forest landscape for their livelihood.

Evbuomwan, on his part, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the protection of forests and environmental sustainability. He stated, “Edo State through the Forestry Commission has developed the Forestry Reforestation Strategy, focused especially on plantation establishment with a view of addressing deforestation and forest degradation. It has, among other things, a target to improve degraded lands, combat climate change, improve livelihood, provide employment, and boost revenue and national economic growth.”