We’re committed to conserve forests, terrestrial ecosystem, FG declares

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, said the federal government is committed to strengthening efforts to conserve forests, other terrestrial ecosystems and accelerate their restoration.

This, he said, will facilitate trade and development policies, internationally and domestically.

Abdullahi made the disclosure at the 16th meeting of National Council of Environment (NCE) tagged “Pursuit of Zero Emission – A Trajectory Towards Global Environment Renaissance”, yesterday in Abuja.

He explained that the theme for the meeting was apt because it captures an environment in which we presently live, an environment threatened by the debilitating effects of climate change.

The Minister said human activities naturally occurred with emergencies that have exacerbated the impact of this global phenomenon in recent years.

He adds: “The impact of global warming is occasioned by deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and other environmental and social factors have left their negative tolls on both the terrestrial and aquatic systems, with dire consequences on our planet and humans”.

He noted that Nigeria, through Mr. President joined the other World Leaders in endorsing the Glasgow Declaration on Forest and Land use committing to working collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation.

He maintained that this will promote sustainable development, sustainable commodity production and consumption that work to countries’ mutual benefit.

He added that this does not drive deforestation and land degradation; reduce vulnerability, build resilience and enhance rural livelihoods, through empowering communities.

“Others are development of profitable, sustainable agriculture, and recognition of the multiple values of forests. while recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities, in accordance with relevant national legislation and international instruments, as appropriate”, he stressed.