The National Forestry Trust Fund was created, according to Environment Minister Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, to address the lack of funding for forestry management.
During the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19), the minister said that the fund has provided support for afforestation and reforestation initiatives around the nation for the past two years.
Balarabe revealed that in order to expedite, streamline, and deepen different afforestation programmes, the federal government has taken aggressive measures.
The minister claims that the projects are a component of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s strategic national development blueprint.
“With the ambition to halt human-induced extinction of wild species, forest loss and degradation, securing species recovery and restoration of jeopardised ecosystems,” he stated Nigeria has declared 10 new national parks in addition to the seven existing ones.
Nigeria is taking a major step to investigate new options that could maintain and protect remaining forest through the great potential of bamboo and rattan development as part of our nature-based answer to biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity.
Bamboo is an excellent substitute for plastic and trees because of its high sequestration capacity, ability to restore land, and potential for economic growth.
In order to maintain natural resources, manage transboundary ecosystems, and stop illegal forest crime, Nigeria is also dedicated to regional and subregional cooperation, he continued.
“Empower communities and increase focus on awareness creation, public advocacy on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, pollution and plastic waste management,” stated the minister, referring to the federal government’s plans.