An environmentalist, Dr Albert Lawan has cautioned against bush burning to protect the environment and preserve the ecosystem.
Lawan, a Bauchi-based environmental expert, said this in an interview on Monday in Bauchi state.
He said that bush burning was posing significant threats to the environment, human health and the economy, stressing that it was a destructive practice with far-reaching and devastating consequences.
According to Lawan, bush burning can lead to loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and air pollution impacting human health and the economy.
“The practice can exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma, and often lead to premature deaths,” he said
On economic implications of bush burning, Lawan said the practice damaged crops, reduced livestock productivity, and negatively impacted tourism, and livelihoods of local communities.
“The intense heat from fires damage soil structure, reducing fertility and affecting plant growth.
“Bush burning releases harmful pollutants, contributing to air pollution and negatively impacting human health. It can damage crops, reduce livestock productivity, affect tourism and livelihoods,” he said
The environmentalist advised individuals and communities to adopt alternative land management practices such as controlled grazing and sustainable agriculture.
This, he said, would minimise the risk of bush fires, promote environmental conservation and support local economies.
He stressed the need for sensitisation activities to create awareness on the dangers of bush burning to promote sustainable forest management practices.
NAN
