The Edo State Government through the Edo State Forestry Commission, has called for cooperation between IDH Trades and other relevant stakeholders on the urgent need to protect the State’s dwindling Forest reserves.
The Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, Dr. Valentine Asuen made the call during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Okumu Public-Private Initiative (PPI), an initiative of IDH Trades, which held at the One-Stop Investment Centre in Benin City.
Dr. Asien who lamented the continuous depletion of the Forest reserves, which poses a huge threat if not tackled immediately, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to partner with stakeholders in addressing the challenge.
According to a Facilitator and retired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the Stakeholders meeting, Mr. Bashiru Kadiri, the engagement aimed to develop a framework for sustainable production, forest protection and landscape practices in the State. Key stakeholders including representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, converged to address the pressing issue of forest encroachment by farmers and real estate developers.
Mr. Kadiri emphasized the need for immediate action on preserving the Forest reserves, stating, “The time to act is now. Let us save what is left and utilize it”.
A comprehensive plan was formulated to tackle the situation, including the establishment of committees on institutional driving, verifying occupants in forest reserve areas, community engagement, utilizing monitoring equipment, seeking government’s permission to deploy drones for effective surveillance.
In his closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Jude Ekpu, who urged stakeholders to work together with the commitment of preserving Forest reserves in the State, appreciated the Facilitator’s delivery.
The engagement marked a significant step towards protecting and preserving Edo State Forest reserves as well as promoting sustainable landscape practices.
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