As part of the activities to mark the international forests day in Akwa Ibom State, the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Environment & Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien has urged all citizen of the State, corporate organisations, associations, churches, foundations to support government’s effort in preserving the forests.
The Commissioner stated this during a panel discussions to mark the International Forests day in the State. According to him the Government of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has proactively put in place measures aimed at checking deforestation and at the same time revamp the forests. He also stated that government has raised twenty thousand tree seedlings for planting.
The commissioner stated that as part of government policy of mitigating the impacts of climate change, the Executive Governor has performed ground breaking for the manufacturing of LED energy bulb in the State and also adorning the highways and streets with avenue trees in tandem with global best practice and the yearly tree planting exercise.
The international day of forests was first observed worldwide on March 21, 2013, and was established by resolution of United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Forests and Water”, highlights forests based solution to mitigate climate change. The theme was also designed to stimulate world-wide awareness on building a sustainable forest and provide a platform for organisations and individuals to reflect on the state of the forests and also make commitment towards sustaining and enhancing the quality and well-being of the forests.
Prof. Ekanem Ekanem of Department of Geography University of Uyo stated thatAkwa Ibom State has only three gazetted forest reserve namely stubbs creek, ObotNdom and OguItu which accounts for about three percent of the state’s land area and far below the recommended national minimum. He therefore advocated for massive tree planting in the state.
The Climatologist stated that forests play an important role in stablishing natural systems, contributing to biological diversity and helping maintain air, water, and soil quality.
This year’s global celebration of forests was aimed at raising awareness of the important of all types of forest and of trees outside forests for the benefit of present and future generations and to educate the public on its vital role in balancing oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air, which is important for human survival.
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