The Director of the Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, has raised concerns about the rapid loss of forest and its detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
Chukwuone, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, spoke at a conference on forest degradation held in Calabar on Monday.
The conference, organized by the Environment for Development (EfD Nigeria) in partnership with REPRC, brought together environmentalists to discuss strategies for reducing emissions caused by extensive deforestation and forest degradation in Nigeria.
The primary aim of the meeting was to provide guidance on implementing the United Nations Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (UN-REDD+) project in the country.
Forest Loss and Emissions in Nigeria
Chukwuone highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria’s humid primary forest area decreased by 9.4 percent between 2001 and 2023.
During this period, the country lost 1.33 million hectares of tree cover, which is equivalent to a 13 percent decrease in tree cover and 724 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
“This significant loss underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat deforestation and its associated emissions,” Chukwuone emphasised .
REDD+ and Local Livelihoods
Chukwuone stressed that for REDD+ projects to be deemed successful, they must not only reduce carbon emissions but also positively impact local livelihoods. This dual approach is essential to ensure the sustainability and acceptance of such projects among local communities.
Collaborative Efforts Needed
The National Coordinator of the REDD+ Secretariat, Dr. Moses Ama underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling deforestation and enhancing carbon sinks.
“There is no universal approach to implementing REDD+ projects. No single entity can do it alone; it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate. By working together, we can effectively respond to the pressing need for implementing the REDD+ project,” Ama stated.
Optimism for REDD+ in Cross River State
Mr. George Oben-Etchi, the Chairman of the Cross River Forestry Commission, expressed confidence in the success of the REDD+ project in the state.
He praised EfD Nigeria for organising the conference and described it as a positive step towards addressing environmental challenges.
The conference underscored the critical need for concerted efforts to combat forest degradation and emissions, highlighting the significant role of REDD+ projects in achieving sustainable environmental goals.
