Chief Sunny Onuesoke, Chairman of DAS Energy Services Limited in Delta State, has called on the state government to establish a Forestry and Conservation Commission. The commission’s purpose would be to combat deforestation, address forest degradation, and develop forest assets.
In a statement released in Warri, Onuesoke expressed concern about the negative impact of forest loss and degradation on the local population. He emphasized that the proposed commission could help reverse these trends, manage forest wildlife resources, promote ecosystem conservation, and address unregulated areas within the forests.
Onuesoke raised alarm over the destructive activities of poachers, illegal loggers, and arsonists, including herdsmen who allegedly set fires to facilitate fresh pasture growth.
He highlighted the importance of afforestation in absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing its presence in the atmosphere, thereby addressing climate change and global warming. Furthermore, Onuesoke pointed out that forest soil has three times the capacity of trees in absorbing CO2.
Onuesoke lamented that Delta State, with its abundant natural forests, is witnessing the extinction of unique animals and majestic African trees with interlocking canopies. These forest resources have the potential to generate revenue through eco-tourism.
SOURCE: This Day
IMAGE: SGS CASPIAN
