From Our Correspondent
Lagos, March 22, ’25 (TNZ) The Wild Africa has called for protecting Nigeria’s forests, which serve as a refuge for its most iconic wildlife species.
TheNewsZenith reports that the conservation group made the call in a statement to commemorate the International Day of Forests 2025.
“Nigeria has experienced a 12 per cent decrease in tree cover in the last two decades, equivalent to 1.25 million hectares.
“In addition, approximately 60 per cent of the forest loss is due to logging and agricultural expansion, mainly through slash-and-burn farming practices and commercial plantation developments,” it stated.
TheNewsZenith reports that this year’s theme of the event is “Forests and Foods”.
It celebrates forests’ pivotal roles in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.
Dr Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson said the forest was more than trees.
“It is life, shelter and the heartbeat of our planet. When we protect it, we protect our future.
“But sadly, Nigeria’s forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, taking with them critical biodiversity, essential ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of millions.
“If deforestation continues unchecked, we risk crossing an irreversible threshold that will devastate both people and nature,” TheNewsZenith quotes Ofua as saying.
According to him, Wild Africa continues to advocate for stronger conservation policies and initiatives.
This is to safeguard Nigeria’s forests using a combination of radio, TV, billboards, newspaper publications, and public service announcements (PSAs).
Forests sustain life by providing food, fuel, medicinal ingredients, income and employment, especially to host communities closer to forests.
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They also protect our water resources, sequester carbon emissions from the atmosphere, support soil fertility and facilitate crop pollination.
Across the continent, forests are disappearing, with deforestation occurring at more than 4 million hectares per year, twice the world’s average.
The rapid loss of Africa’s forests threatens biodiversity, people’s livelihoods, food security, and climate stability.
Globally, forests and trees are a rich source of nuts, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, mushrooms, honey, cacao pods, meat, and insects, providing essential nutrients to people’s diets.
Approximately 1.6 billion people, or 25 per cent of the global population, rely on forests for their subsistence needs, livelihoods, employment, and income.
Nigeria is endowed with some of the continent’s most biodiverse rainforests. The Cross River National Park spans 4,000 square kilometres in southern Nigeria.
It is home to the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, drill monkeys, forest elephants, and the critically endangered Cross River gorilla.
However, rampant illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and urban development threaten these critical habitats.
As forests disappear, biodiversity dwindles, and the livelihoods of those dependent on forest resources are increasingly jeopardised.
“Despite these challenges, there is hope. Through innovation and collaboration, a striving and sustainable future is possible.
“Combating deforestation in Africa requires a multifaceted approach, including sustainable land management, stronger law enforcement, renewable energy alternatives, and community involvement.
“The public can also help protect forests by avoiding activities that contribute to habitat destruction and supporting conservation initiatives.” (TNZ)
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