INTERNATIONAL FOREST DAY, 2/03/2022
Inhabitants of Anambra state have been advised to desist from falling trees and clearing forests all in the name of development.
The founder , Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative , Mmachukwu Obimdike made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the aims of International day of Forest in Awka , Anambra state.
The day aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of all types of forests.
The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate the importance of all types of forests
According to her almost one point six billion People around the world depend directly on forests for their shelter , food, energy,, medicines and income.
“Forest and its resources have been of great importance to man.
it helps us to breathe ,it gives oxygen.
From research it’s been said that an Hectare of land filled with trees can only supply oxygen to 18 persons in the world, just imagine only 18persons , what will the others do? and if we keep cutting down our forests what oxygen are we going to Breath . Forest is also home to so many species of animals as well as human beings, if we cut down the forest then these animals will come out to the streets and that is very dangerous to human existence.”
She called on government to encourage the planting of native trees like iroko as it will no doubt help in checkmating the devastation done to the environment by erosion menace ravaging communities in Anambra and other parts of the country.
Miss Obimdike said government should also prioritize the ecosystem restoration decade by working with relevant Non Governmental Organizations, Institutions and International organisations that will assist in the realization of the set goals.
She regretted that poverty and lack of proper policy directions by successive administrations have continued to lead to more people destroying the forests that should be preserved.
The expert noted that forest also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the Theme for 2022 International Forest Day celebrated 21st of March every year is” Forest and Sustainable Production and Consumption”
COV/ NDEKE
