Government is Committed to Forest Sustainable Development, says Jibril
Nigeria today joins the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of the Forests with the theme, “Forests and Sustainable Cities”.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Jibril said that the day is celebrated worldwide to create awareness of the importance of forests to urban lives.
He said, “It is important to understand the place and contributions of forests to the Sustainable Development Goal no 7 which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
Ibrahim Jibril further noted on the relevance of Goal no 15 that “seeks to Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation as well as halt biodiversity loss”, stressing that the life cycle of the earth depends largely on the forests.
He further explained that the forests plays a vital role in human living by providing shelter to both human and animals, balance oxygen, carbon dioxide, as well as protect waterways which supply fresh water to rivers.
The Minister maintained that the activities of the day will serve as a clarion call to the people to start planting trees as the raining season is gradually drawing near.
Highlight of the occasion was the planting of trees in Otakpo Primary School in Abuja.
The Minister stated that the choice to plant trees in the primary school was an innovation to address the younger minds within the school system with the concept of “the tree and the child”.
According to the United Nations, “Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in and around urban areas. Trees also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent. Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent. Urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates.”
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/67/200 on 21 December 2012, which declared that March 21 of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests. The resolution encourages all member states to organise activities relating to all types of forests.
Nigeria first celebrated this day in the year 2016.
Efe Ovuakporie
For Director Press
