By Ngozi Nwankwo
Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment and its agencies said it is committed to planting at least six million trees this year.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako said the tree planting is to increase Nigeria’s forest cover to meet the recommended 25% cover, and to restore degraded forests, promote sustainable forest management and conservation, enhance biodiversity and Ecosystem services and Support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Salako disclosed this at the occasion of Tree Planting Campaign Lunch recently held in Abuja.
Salako, in an addressing message said, “As we plant these trees, we acknowledge the urgent need for climate action, recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and emphasizing community engagement in environmental protection.
“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. Ministry of Environment and its agencies in 2024 is to plant at least 6 million trees”, he added.
He said the federal government is driving its forest agenda through: The Great Green Wall, GGW, Programme: A 15-kilometer-wide green belt across 11 states to combat desertification; the National Forest Programme, NFP: Aims to promote sustainable forest management and conservation.
Others include the Forestry and Wildlife Management Department; Oversees forestry and wildlife conservation; the National Park Service (NPS): Manages protected areas and national parks; and the Nigerian REDD+ Programme: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
According to him, 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, and eco-tourism among others.
Salako, therefore, called on Nigerians 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 it’s said that if the last tree dies the last man standing dies too.”
“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 nurture at least 50 trees, and I am happy to announce to us that I have surpassed my target and have no plans to stop”, he added.