Anambra State Government has set out to reclaim all forest reserved areas and ensure the prosecution of those who engage in illegal deforestation activities in parts of the state.
The Head, Forestry and Wildlife Department, Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Onyinye Achugamonye revealed the plan during a walk in Awka to mark the 2022 International Day of Forests.
A United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012 approved the 21st Day of March every year as the day for the celebration of International Day of Forests.
The day celebrates and raises awareness on the importance of all types of forests.
The global theme for this year’s celebration is “History and Significance” and “Ecosystem Restoration” was the theme for the celebration in Anambra State.
Mrs. Achugamonye said that at each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
She pointed out that the walk is to break the message down to the people on the enormous effect of deforestation and urged the people to stick to planting at least two trees whenever they cut any.
Contributing, a Forest Officer in charge of Nnewi Forest reserve in the ministry, Mr. Nonso Onuigbo while giving insight into the impact of the sun on the environment with the enormous felling of trees, pointed out that deforestation and lack of interest in afforestation have affected the preservation of forest in the state and called for recruitment of more manpower to aid the department sensitize the populace.
The founder, Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative, Miss Mmachukwu Obidike and a staff of the Ministry, Mrs. Ifeoma Onuzulike, decried the state of forests in the state and called the attention of the state government, community stakeholders and religious leaders to show more concern to the protection of the forest, blaming real estate companies and others for exploitation of trees, as according to them eighty percent of things used comes from the forest and as such deserve better care.
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