Environmental experts from several states in Nigeria have converged in Calabar to chart the way forward in reducing emissions caused by massive deforestation and forest degradation in the nation.
The essence of the workshop held on Thursday was to provide direction for developing policies on future steps for implementing the United Nations Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (UN-REDD+) project in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was supported by the Swedish International Development Agency through the Environment for Development (EfD Nigeria).
Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), observed the alarming rate of forest loss globally and its attendant consequences.
Chukwuone noted that between 2010 and 2015, 3.3 million hectares of forest per year were cleared, adding that from 2001 to 2023, Nigeria’s humid primary forest decreased by 9.4 per cent.
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“In the same period, the country lost 1.33 megahectare (Mha) of tree cover, equivalent to a tree cover decrease of 13 per cent since 2000, and 724 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
“However, it is important to Note that besides reducing carbon emission REDD+ projects, must impact local livelihoods to be adjuged to be successful,” he said.
On his part, National Coordinator, REDD+ Secretariat, Dr Moses Ama during his presentation explained that REDD+ connects international support to local actions.
Ama said this was done by presenting a window of opportunity to plan for measures to stop deforestation and enhance carbon sinks.
He said as there was no universal approach to implementing REDD+ and no single entity could do it on his own, it was essential for all stakeholders, groups and communities to increase their dedication to taking tangible actions.
“By working together, we can effectively respond to the pressing need for implementing REDD+ and, in turn, tackle the issue of climate change while promoting the welfare of rural communities reliant on the forests,” he said.
In his address, Mr George Oben-Etchi, Chairman Cross River Forestry Commission remained confident that the REDD+ project would succeed in the state, despite doubts from forest communities.
He appealed to communities to be a little more patient adding that although, they had waited for the past 15 years, they should keep faith alive.
He added that he was committed do everything that was required to get the UN-REDD+ project implemented in Cross River.
NAN also reports that REDD+ is a framework to encourage developing countries to reduce emissions and then hands the removal of greenhouse gases through a variety of Forest management options and to provide technical and financial support for these efforts.
