Obaseki Seeks Stakeholders’ Support for Protection of Forest Belt

Obaseki Seeks Stakeholders’ Support for Protection of Forest Belt

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has tasked experts, civil rights groups, traditional leaders, local government officials and international donors to support the state government’s campaign to preserve the state’s biodiversity and conserve its forest belt.

The governor made the call to commemorate International Mother Earth Day, marked every April 22, across the world by the United Nations and its various organs.

The governor said efforts by his administration to preserve the state’s flora and fauna will safeguard forest reserve and biodiversity, adding that, “we are strengthening mechanisms to ensure that we do not lose the touch with mother earth and our forest belt. To halt depletion of forest reserves, we have equipped officials of the state’s Forestry Department with 39 motorcycles which will enable them to penetrate hard-to-reach sections of lush forests and guard against activities of encroachment.

“Our commitment to protect the state’s forest covers will contribute in tackling climate change and preserving our beautiful state for future generations.”

He added that “we are working with the management of the Ogba Zoological Garden and Natural Park and other experts to reposition the zoo and tap from its eco-tourism potential.”

Obaseki hailed the UN for the 2019 theme to mark the International Mother Earth Day ‘protect our species,’ which he said called for urgent actions among stakeholders on collaboration needed to assist the state government “achieve its vision on forest sustainability.”

“I urge community leaders, corporate bodies, individuals, international donors and other stakeholders to support the charge of protecting the forest, considering how our state’s total forest estate has been depleted, which endanger species in the forest,” he added.

According to the United Nations, “International Mother Earth Day is celebrated to remind each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance.

“The Earth and its ecosystems are our home. In order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.”

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