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The extensive and rapid clearing of forests (deforestation) within the borders of Nigeria has significant impacts on both local and global scales.
Deforestation estimates in Nigeria stand at 163 Kha/year, with 12% of tree cover lost between 2001 and 2022. [1]
Activities such as expanding agriculture, logging, urbanisation, and infrastructure development contribute to deforestation and present various challenges against afforestation efforts. Deforestation in Nigeria has raised concerns regarding its link to poverty and its environmental consequences. [2]
Nigeria is recognised for its ecological biodiversity. [4] It is considered one of the richest biodiversity hotspots globally, significantly contributing to the country's economic prosperity. [5]
Historically, significant forest reservations have been established in Nigeria, representing 27 per cent of the total forest cover and 10 per cent of the land area, approximately 96,518 square kilometres (37,266 sq mi). [6] Two-thirds of these reserves are in the savanna region, while the remaining percentages are in tropical forest zones in the south, freshwater swamps, and mangroves in the coastal region. [7]
Nigeria's Forest Reserves consist of 1,160 designated areas covering approximately 107,527.02 square kilometres (41,516.41 sq mi). These reserves constitute around 11% of Nigeria's total landmass, spread across 362 local government areas. Notably, Lewechi forest reserve in Okigwe, Imo state, is the smallest, covering an area of 0.47 square kilometres (0.18 sq mi), whereas Borgu forest reserve in New Bussa, Niger state, is the largest, encompassing an area of 3,786.58 square kilometres (1,462.01 sq mi). [8]
In 1960, the country had eight national parks, 445 forest reserves, twelve strictly nature reserves, and 28 game reserves. [9] Despite conservation efforts, these areas have experienced high levels of human activities leading to deforestation, encroachment, and degradation. The names of the eight national parks and their area sizes in descending order are Gumpti Park (6,670 square kilometres (2,580 sq mi)), Kainji Lake Park (5,341 square kilometres (2,062 sq mi)), Cross River Park (3,720 square kilometres (1,440 sq mi)), Old Oyo Park (2,512 square kilometres (970 sq mi)), Chad Basin Park (2,258 square kilometres (872 sq mi)), Yankari Park (2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi)), Kamuku Park (1,127 square kilometres (435 sq mi)), and Okomu Park (1,127 square kilometres (435 sq mi)). [10]
The deforestation problem, compounded by human activity, [11] has severely impacted Nigeria's rich biodiversity, including 864 bird species, 285 mammal species, 203 reptile species, 117 amphibian species, 775 fish species, and 4,715 species of higher plants. [12] The population of rare Cross River gorillas has notably decreased due to poaching and habitat destruction. Deforestation has caused economic challenges, affecting agricultural yield and livelihoods. [13]
Environmental issues, including deforestation, have led to conflicts and even the execution of environmental activists such as Ken Saro-Wiwa, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. [14]
The definition of "deforestation" is crucial to eliminate confusion. Various terms are used to express this concept, including "land use conversions." These conversions encompass agricultural expansion (from woodland to grazing or cropland) and agricultural intensification (converting grazing land to cropland). [15] [16]
"Forest decline" refers to situations where air pollution and atmospheric deposition negatively impact tree and forest health. [17] It can be caused by diseases, nutrient deficiency, and climate perturbations. [18]
"Forest fragmentation" poses a threat to ecosystems by disrupting genetic processes like genetic drift, gene flow, selection, and mating due to reduced population sizes and isolation of forest remnants from non-forest areas. [19]
Deforestation refers to tree removal without replanting, leading to reduced forests, habitats, and biodiversity. [20] Scholars view deforestation as the process of converting forests to other land uses, like urban expansion, grazing, or agriculture. [8] In other words, Deforestation is the process where forests are cleared or removed to make land available for other uses, such as agriculture, urban development, or industrial purposes.
Nigeria, naturally rich in forests, has approximately 12.18% forest cover in its total land area. Forests offer various ecosystem services vital for human well-being, ranging from regulatory and cultural to supporting and provisioning functions. [21] [22] Deforestation rates in Nigeria have increased, with substantial forest cover loss attributed to factors such as traditional agricultural practices, overgrazing, and poor land tenure systems. [23] [24] [25]
Deforestation leads to desertification, ecosystem and biodiversity loss, land degradation, increased greenhouse gases, and soil erosion, significantly impacting the environment and human well-being [26] Deforestation threatens the sustainability of the environment, which in turn may lead to risks for citizens' quality of life due to economic change. [27] [28]
Public education and governmental focus on forest management, technological advancements, and sustainable energy are critical to reduce deforestation rates. [29]
Deforestation refers to the removal of vegetation without simultaneous replanting for various economic or social purposes. [30] This process has multifaceted adverse effects on the natural environment, contributing to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, wildlife reduction, land degradation, and desertification. [14] Furthermore, deforestation significantly impacts agriculture, leading to conflict and affecting overall quality of life. These primary forests encompass areas with no visible signs of human activities. [14] Notably, deforestation intensifies carbon dioxide circulation, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. [31]
The Food and Agriculture Organization outlines criteria for sustainable forest management, such as maintaining forest resources, biodiversity, health, and productive, protective, and socio-economic functions. These benchmarks are presently not met, posing potential detrimental effects if not addressed promptly. [32] [33]
From 2001 to 2022, Nigeria lost 1.25 Mha of tree cover, and experienced a deforestation rate of 163 Kha/year, the 15th fastest rate among nations. (The fastest being Brazil with 1,700 Kha/year) [34]
The nation has lost 12% of its relative tree cover since 2000, accounting for 0.27% of the global total. [35]
The country faces a massive risk of desertification due to extensive deforestation, which compromises once-fertile land. Studies from 1901 to 2005 found a temperature increase of 1.1°C in Nigeria, surpassing the global average of 0.74°C. During the same period, rainfall decreased by 81mm, with significant changes occurring in the 1970s. [36] [37]
The alarmingly rapid deforestation is attributed to the demand for fuel wood. Approximately 90% of the Nigerian population depends on kerosene for cooking, but due to its unavailability or high cost, 60% resort to using fuel wood. Rural areas observe higher usage, influencing livelihoods, while poverty remains a significant driver of deforestation. [38] [24] [39]
Despite an increase in national parks and reserves, only 3.6% of Nigeria is protected under the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories I-V. Inadequate forest management by the Department of Forestry since the 1970s is a significant contributor to the deteriorating ecosystem. The country lacks decisive measures to combat illegal logging and lower the deforestation rate. [24]
Deforestation jeopardises various environmental, economic, and societal facets, potentially leading to forest degradation, characterised by extreme soil erosion, loss of nutrients, and extinction of plant and animal species. Additionally, this environmental issue is further aggravated by climate change, potentially causing an upsurge in diseases, pests, and forest fires. [40]
Understanding the primary factors driving deforestation in Nigeria requires distinguishing between the actors responsible for deforestation and the underlying reasons behind it.[ citation needed ] These actors, including slash-and-burn farmers, ranchers, loggers, firewood collectors, and infrastructural developers, play a role in forest removal, influenced by the underlying causes of deforestation.[ citation needed ]
The foremost cause, considered an indirect driver of deforestation, is the most significant. While Nigeria's forests make a substantial contribution to the GDP, diligent policies to regulate human activities within forests and preserve this valuable resource are lacking. This disconnect between fiscal policies and the value of forest resources, coupled with inadequate incentives for alternatives, leads to issues like high fossil fuel prices, unemployment, and underfunded forest management initiatives. [41]
Deforestation in Nigeria is influenced by various factors, including climate change (albeit a minor fraction), logging, biotic agents, and manual deforestation by individuals and organisations. Primary drivers include agriculture expansion, logging, legal and illegal, and urbanisation. [44] For instance, recent findings highlighted a 99.2-hectare land allocation for an international market in Enugu State, leading to deforestation at Opi in Nsukka Local Government Area (Field Survey, October 2023).
The impact of logging on deforestation involves cutting down trees, processing them locally, and transporting them via trucks, contributing significantly to global deforestation. [45]
When companies engage in commercial logging, it leads to deforestation. Logging industries provide wood varieties like ebony, mahogany, teak, and meranti to the global market, leading to a depletion of forests. Transporting logs involves two methods: water transportation in swampy areas and road transportation where equipment can move smoothly.[ citation needed ]
Various actors engage in wood logging in Nigeria, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), multilateral banks (World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank), international financial institutions (International Monetary Fund), transnational and national businesses, development agencies, and governments. These actors play various roles but also have detrimental effects on indigenous populations, underdeveloped nations, and the global community.
Global asymmetries in economic development contribute to a divide between industrialised and underdeveloped nations. Multilateral institutions pressure local governments to settle foreign obligations, leading to environmental damage and increased poverty. Development plans emphasise export-oriented exploitation of natural resources, focusing on wood as a profitable business, neglecting other forest dimensions like biodiversity, food, or medicinal plants. [46]
National governments support logging operations despite local inhabitants' presence in the forests due to vested interests of the ruling class and transnational corporations. Selective logging has a modest impact compared to incidental damage caused by the machinery used, which significantly alters the forest ecosystem, inhibiting tree regeneration and threatening biodiversity. [47]
Deforestation in Nigeria has significant environmental consequences, including soil erosion, declining biodiversity, altered climate, increased carbon emissions, population declines, and increased risks of landslides and flooding. Ecosystems are disrupted, limiting access to clean water.
Addressing deforestation by protecting forests and promoting sustainable practices is crucial to mitigate its adverse impacts on the environment and ensure long-term environmental health.[ citation needed ]
The growing population in Nigeria has intensified the demand for food, leading to annual destruction of large forest areas by bush burning or logging to create farmland. [48] Shifting cultivation, a farming practice where farmers relocate in search of fertile land, accelerates land deterioration and forces exploration of new forest borders, thereby increasing deforestation.
In Nigeria, disputes between local farmers and Fulani herdsmen during the 1960s led to property destruction, displacement, and livelihood disruption. Grazing practices are a significant contributor to deforestation, and addressing these crises requires governance, justice, equity, and adherence to rule of law. [49]
Small ruminant farming involves raising animals like sheep and goats for their meat, milk, and other products. [50] [51] While a sustainable practice for food production, it can contribute to deforestation in various ways.
Reducing the impact of small ruminant farming on deforestation can be achieved through sustainable grazing methods, such as rotating grazing areas and using less destructive methods. Moreover, improving the efficiency of animal feed production using sustainable sources can help mitigate the impact on forests. [52] Raising awareness of the environmental impacts among farmers can encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Petroleum exploration and exploitation in the southern part of Nigeria have had significant impacts on the swamp forest ecosystem and mangrove forests in the Niger Delta region. According to the Department of Petroleum Resources, approximately 419 oil spills have occurred on land, resulting in the loss of an estimated 5 to 10 per cent of the mangrove forest area. [53] The inadequate coordination of pipelines and environmental concerns has left many in the region unemployed, with limited farming opportunities and a diminished forest reserve to rely on.
The expectation that fuel provision would sustain communities has been affected by conflicts arising from oil theft, pitting indigenous groups against the government. These conflicts, coupled with oil spills, have also compromised the quality of drinking water, posing a threat to public health. [48]
The oil spills in the Niger Delta region have resulted in deforestation, ecological degradation, and the disruption of ecosystem services and natural resources. This spillage has notably impacted agricultural practices and biodiversity across a variety of ecosystems, encompassing land, swamp, and offshore regions. The region, comprising a diverse population of forty ethnic groups and 250 languages, grapples with persistent oil spills and misuse of crude oil, significantly affecting both the environment and their quality of life. This diverse populace is deeply concerned about the environmental consequences within the Niger Delta region (NDRN).
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Nigeria is a leading producer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and has a large reserve of natural gas. [54] However, the high cost of cooking gas and kerosene has caused the majority of rural and semi-urban households to resort to using wood for cooking. Over 120 million Nigerians rely on firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs, according to the International Energy Agency. [55] Research by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that wood used for cooking accounts for about half of the trees that are removed illegally from forests globally, with a majority coming from developing countries such as Nigeria. [48] Nigeria heavily relies on wood as a source of fuel for cooking and heating, especially in rural areas. The demand for fuelwood and charcoal leads to excessive tree cutting, contributing to deforestation. Enugu State is experiencing deforestation due to the demand for firewood. [56]
As a result of the high influx of people to urban areas, there has been a need for rapid development and the provision of necessary social amenities like roads, airports, railways, bridges, and schools in these parts of the country, which are now threats to the forests as trees and vegetation are cut down or burned to achieve these development plans. [48]
For instance, most first-generation and second-generation universities like the University of Calabar were in highly forested areas, but the need to establish these schools made way for the destruction of these areas. [57] It is noted that Nigeria is blessed with biological resources, but due to human activities, thee country is losing its nature. [57]
Corruption poses a significant challenge in Nigeria and plays a major role in facilitating illegal logging by both companies and forest officials. [58] These illegal logging activities contribute to deforestation, causing significant environmental and economic consequences. An area equivalent to the size of a football field is illegally cleared every two seconds. [59]
The illegal trade of timber and its products results in substantial economic losses and environmental damages. The increasing demand for wood products has made the forestry sector lucrative, thereby promoting the prevalence of illegal logging. This destructive practice poses the primary threat to the existing tree population. Corruption is also pervasive within government institutions, leading to the exploitation of forest resources for personal gain and power. Unfortunately, these actions prioritise short-term economic benefits without considering the long-term consequences. [60]
The lack of integrity within the judiciary system contributes to the continuation of illegal logging, further exacerbating the issue of deforestation. Nigeria has faced threats of human health and even the health of its forests as a result of bad governance. It is noticed that the leaders are careless about the welfare state of their citizens and do not care about the natural resources given to us for human advancement and development. [61]
Corrupt governments are often paid off by illegal logging companies to make them ignore their activities. Do not support corrupt politicians and systems. Reduction of corruption will go a long way towards reducing deforestation overall.
In many poorer countries, the lack of police presence and law enforcement means that illegal deforestation often goes unpunished and unnoticed for many years, even though it is destroying the country's economy and resource wealth.
For example, 70 per cent of Indonesia's timber exports come from illegal logging. Besides leaving behind extensive damage to the Rainforest, the country is also losing around US$3.7 billion every year in lost revenue. Thus, illegal logging does more harm than good to the country.
The rapid growth of the population and the resulting demographic pressure have had a significant impact on deforestation in Nigeria. As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria currently has a population of 162.5 million people. This demographic situation becomes a pressing issue when combined with high levels of poverty, as approximately 70 per cent (105 million) of Nigerians live below the poverty line. [62] [63]
The consequences of overpopulation are evident in the increased construction of residential and public areas. This extensive urbanisation leads to the disturbance of soil, making it more vulnerable to erosion and flooding. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has highlighted that Africans are experiencing deforestation at a rate twice that of the global average, underscoring the severity of the problem in Nigeria. [64]
The combination of population growth, poverty, and rapid urbanisation exacerbates deforestation in Nigeria, with detrimental consequences for the environment and communities. Efforts to address these challenges require a comprehensive approach that considers sustainable development and environmental conservation.
It is commonly known that excessive grazing promotes the vegetation of derived Savannah to gradually evolve into Sudan Savannah, given that these animals eat tree saplings, especially during the dry season when there isn't enough grass to sustain them. Furthermore, due to these animals' consumption of older tree branches and tree seedlings, deforestation occurs. [65] Grazers, who rear cattle, cows, and other animals, contribute to this deforestation.
Although forest fires have been linked to naturally occurring phenomena like lightning and volcanoes, people are the primary cause of forest fires. Because it is moist for the majority of the year, the Rainforest is significantly more resistant to fire than the Savannah, however it is extremely susceptible to wildfires during the dry season. The majority of the trees, including their seedlings, are killed when the Rainforest is continuously burned, resulting in grasslands.
However, due to their extremely thick bark, the shorter Savannah trees can withstand fire. For forestry and agricultural operations, fire is a tool for site preparation. It is employed to lessen the amount of underbrush and tree debris. Herdsmen light fires in order to provide their animals with new growth. Hunters may also use fire to evict wild animals. The impact of fire can be highly disastrous since tropical Rainforests, which include a wide diversity of trees, require a long time to restore themselves. [66]
A study conducted from 2001 to 2020 by the Nigeria Deforestation Rates & Statistics identified Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Taraba, and Ogun states as the most affected regions. However, the rainforest country profile cited Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Ogun, and Edo as the most impacted states. [67] Edo State experienced the most significant forest loss, reaching 268,000 hectares compared to the average loss of 28,200 hectares. Other affected areas in Nigeria include Delta, Kogi, Osun, Ekiti, Bayelsa, and Oyo states. [68] [ unreliable source? ]
The extensive demand for cocoa and palm oils in Cross River and Ondo States has notably contributed to environmental degradation. [69] [70]
Deforestation threatens the rich biodiversity of Nigeria, endangering various plant and animal species dependent on forest ecosystems. The removal of forests can result in species extinction and ecological imbalances.
Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to increased carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming and climate change. The reduction in trees that absorb carbon dioxide results in excess emissions, harming all species, including humans.
Forests maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion. Deforestation causes soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity and causing soil loss and gullies. Aquatic trees’ roots, critical for fish and other species, diminish due to deforestation.
Forests are essential resources for local communities in Nigeria. Deforestation can displace indigenous people, disrupt traditional lifestyles, and lead to social and economic challenges.
Deforestation leads to habitat loss for numerous animals, endangering various species. Plants and animals are severely depleted, some facing extinction. The loss of habitats threatens numerous species, impacting the ecosystem.
Deforestation contributes to desertification in the southern parts of Nigeria.
Deforestation poses risks to Nigeria's paper industry, which heavily relies on wood pulp obtained from natural forests or plantations. [71] Reduced wood supply can escalate production costs and quality degradation due to exposure to pests, diseases, fire, and pollution. [72] [73] [71]
The trees in Nigeria's forests provide shelter and regulate temperatures. Deforestation leads to a drastic temperature shift, impacting the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Deforestation issues in Nigeria have broad-ranging implications across different regions and include various challenges:
The demands on forests are varied, leading to a lack of coordinated strategies for forest protection. Indigenous communities seek to conserve forests for traditional needs, while others clear them for financial gains, causing conflict over the forest value accounting system.
Developed countries show interest in preserving Nigeria's tropical forests but provide inadequate financial support for forest conservation efforts. [74]
Issues like insufficient funding, seedling preservation challenges, and a long maturity period for trees hamper reforestation efforts. Farmers opt for quicker maturing crops, affecting the reforestation process.
Environmentalists propose deforestation alternatives but face challenges in implementation. Poverty forces individuals to clear forests for immediate food needs, with limited alternatives available.
Government initiatives, while well-intended, often result in further deforestation, creating challenges in the effort to curb forest depletion.
Rapid population growth and slow employment growth in Nigeria force people to prioritise between livelihoods and forest preservation. Poverty drives individuals to prioritise immediate food needs over forest conservation efforts.
Numerous challenges, such as land use conflicts, financial constraints, public ignorance, and encroachment by herders, contribute to the rising deforestation rates in Nigeria. [75]
The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) faces multiple challenges in curbing deforestation, including finance-related issues, ignorance, and environmental insecurities. The efforts of FRIN face significant obstacles despite their commitment.
Several methods can combat deforestation in Nigeria:
Eco-forestry, focused on minimal damage to forests while harvesting select trees, is an ideal approach for forest management.
Numerous international and local organisations such as Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, and others strive to protect forests through sustainable practices. [81]
The main causes are rapid agricultural expansion and logging, both legal and illegal, often tied to corruption and weak law enforcement.
Carbon sequestration and afforestation stand as promising solutions to combat deforestation in Nigeria and the broader global climate change crisis. Deforestation bears significant environmental, economic, and social consequences such as biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. [82] [83]
To counter this, strategies for carbon sequestration and afforestation offer potential solutions.
Forest-based carbon sequestration can foster economic development, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation. It includes afforestation, forest management, and avoiding deforestation on lands capable of supporting forests naturally.
Nigeria launched a National REDD+ Strategy (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) to address deforestation and forest-related emissions. [84]
One approach, established in 2005, involved a collective effort by the Coalition for Rainforest Nations to reduce deforestation rates, subsequently lowering CO2 emissions. Participating developing countries would receive funding upon successfully reducing emissions, a concept aligned with REDD (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation). REDD, focusing on carbon credits, offers a financial incentive for more sustainable practices. [85] [86] [87]
In 2017, the Federal government of Nigeria joined other West African countries in pledging to restore approximately 10 million acres of degraded land under the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) and the Bonn Challenge. [88] [89]
Kwara State's government proposed a plan to plant 2.5 million trees by 2047, aiming to combat deforestation in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The initiative began with planting 15,000 seedlings in three communities within the state. [90]
The non-governmental organisation Foliage (Fold for Liberal Age Charity Initiative) partnered with Ondo State in a pledge to plant one million trees across the state, under the theme, "Plant a tree, Save a life." [91]
At a global level, in November 2021, Nigeria, along with over a hundred nations, pledged to halt deforestation by 2030, committing to raise $19.2 billion to stop and reverse tree loss. [92]
Additionally, in 2021, Nigeria initiated the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (REDD+) program, aiming to reduce deforestation in collaboration with the World Bank's Forest Carbon Sharing Facility. [93]
Deforestation or forest clearance is the removal and destruction of a forest or stand of trees from land that is then converted to non-forest use. Deforestation can involve conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use. About 31% of Earth's land surface is covered by forests at present. This is one-third less than the forest cover before the expansion of agriculture, with half of that loss occurring in the last century. Between 15 million to 18 million hectares of forest, an area the size of Bangladesh, are destroyed every year. On average 2,400 trees are cut down each minute. Estimates vary widely as to the extent of deforestation in the tropics. In 2019, nearly a third of the overall tree cover loss, or 3.8 million hectares, occurred within humid tropical primary forests. These are areas of mature rainforest that are especially important for biodiversity and carbon storage.
Reforestation is the practice of restoring previously existing forests and woodlands that have been destroyed or damaged. The prior forest destruction might have happened through deforestation, clearcutting or wildfires. Three important purposes of reforestation programs are for harvesting of wood, for climate change mitigation, and for ecosystem and habitat restoration purposes. One method of reforestation is to establish tree plantations, also called plantation forests. They cover about 131 million ha worldwide, which is 3% of the global forest area and 45% of the total area of planted forests.
Illegal logging is the harvest, transportation, purchase, or sale of timber in violation of laws. The harvesting procedure itself may be illegal, including using corrupt means to gain access to forests; extraction without permission, or from a protected area; the cutting down of protected species; or the extraction of timber in excess of agreed limits. Illegal logging is a driving force for a number of environmental issues such as deforestation, soil erosion and biodiversity loss which can drive larger-scale environmental crises such as climate change and other forms of environmental degradation.
Environmental issues in Bolivia include deforestation caused by commercial agriculture, urbanization, and illegal logging, and biodiversity loss attributed to illegal wildlife trade, climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Since 1990, Bolivia has experienced rapid urbanization raising concerns about air quality and water pollution.
The Lower Guinean forests also known as the Lower Guinean-Congolian forests, are a region of coastal tropical moist broadleaf forest in West Africa, extending along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Guinea from eastern Benin through Nigeria and Cameroon.
African environmental problems are problems caused by the direct and indirect human impacts on the natural environment and affect humans and nearly all forms of life in Africa. Issues include deforestation, soil degradation, air pollution, water pollution, coastal erosion, garbage pollution, climate change, Oil spills, Biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. These issues result in environmental conflict and are connected to broader social struggles for democracy and sovereignty. The scarcity of climate adaptation techniques in Africa makes it the least resilient continent to climate change.
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values. Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
Brazil once had the highest deforestation rate in the world and in 2005 still had the largest area of forest removed annually. Since 1970, over 700,000 square kilometres (270,000 sq mi) of the Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. In 2001, the Amazon was approximately 5,400,000 square kilometres (2,100,000 sq mi), which is only 87% of the Amazon's original size. According to official data, about 729,000 km² have already been deforested in the Amazon biome, which corresponds to 17% of the total. 300,000 km² have been deforested in the last 20 years.
According to a 2005 report conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Vietnam has the second highest rate of deforestation of primary forests in the world, second only to Nigeria. The use of defoliants during the Vietnam War had a devastating and long-lasting impact on the country's forests and ecology, affecting 14-44% of total forest cover, with coastal mangrove forests being most affected.
The Amazon rainforest, spanning an area of 3,000,000 km2, is the world's largest rainforest. It encompasses the largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest on the planet, representing over half of all rainforests. The Amazon region includes the territories of nine nations, with Brazil containing the majority (60%), followed by Peru (13%), Colombia (10%), and smaller portions in Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
The environmental impact of agriculture is the effect that different farming practices have on the ecosystems around them, and how those effects can be traced back to those practices. The environmental impact of agriculture varies widely based on practices employed by farmers and by the scale of practice. Farming communities that try to reduce environmental impacts through modifying their practices will adopt sustainable agriculture practices. The negative impact of agriculture is an old issue that remains a concern even as experts design innovative means to reduce destruction and enhance eco-efficiency. Animal agriculture practices tend to be more environmentally destructive than agricultural practices focused on fruits, vegetables and other biomass. The emissions of ammonia from cattle waste continue to raise concerns over environmental pollution.
Akure Forest Reserve is a protected area in southwest Nigeria, covering 66 km2 (25 sq mi). The Akure Forest Reserve, established in 1948 and spanning approximately 32 hectares. It was created with the primary aim of safeguarding the genetic diversity of the forest ecosystem. About 11.73% (8.2 km2) is estimated to be cleared for cocoa farming and other food crops. Aponmu and Owena Yoruba speaking communities owned the forest, though, there are also minor settlements surrounding the forest. They include Ipogun, Kajola/ Aponmu, Kajola, Ago Petesi, Akika Camp, Owena Town, Ibutitan/Ilaro Camp, Elemo Igbara Oke Camp and Owena Water new Dam.
Deforestation is a primary contributor to climate change, and climate change affects the health of forests. Land use change, especially in the form of deforestation, is the second largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, after the burning of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases are emitted from deforestation during the burning of forest biomass and decomposition of remaining plant material and soil carbon. Global models and national greenhouse gas inventories give similar results for deforestation emissions. As of 2019, deforestation is responsible for about 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions from tropical deforestation are accelerating.
Due to its geographical and natural diversity, Indonesia is one of the countries most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This is supported by the fact that Jakarta has been listed as the world's most vulnerable city, regarding climate change. It is also a major contributor as of the countries that has contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions due to its high rate of deforestation and reliance on coal power.
The biogeographic regionalization of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity, known as Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World (TEOW), is made up of 867 ecoregions that are divided into 14 biomes. In addition to offering a comprehensive map of terrestrial biodiversity, TEOW also provides a global species database for ecological analyses and priority setting, a logical biogeographic framework for large-scale conservation strategies, a map for enhancing biogeographic literacy, and a foundation for the Global 200.
The Niger Delta swamp forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in southern Nigeria. It consists of freshwater swamp forests in the Niger Delta of the Niger River. This swamp forest is the second largest in Africa after the Congolian swamp forests. Although there are large cities just outside the ecoregion, the area has been relatively isolated by the difficulty of building roads across the swamps, although this is changing with development of oil and logging industries. Scientific surveys have only begun in recent years, and new species were being identified into the 1990s. Crude oil exploration and pollution has been a threat to forests in the Niger Delta region.
Climate Change in Nigeria is evident from temperature increase, rainfall variability. It is also reflected in drought, desertification, rising sea levels, erosion, floods, thunderstorms, bush fires, landslides, land degradation, more frequent, extreme weather conditions and loss of biodiversity. All of which continue to negatively affect human and animal life and also the ecosystems in Nigeria. Although, depending on the location, regions experience climate change with significant higher temperatures during the dry seasons while rainfalls during rainy seasons help keep the temperature at milder levels. The Effects of Climate Change prompted the World Meteorological Organization, in its 40th Executive Council 1988, to establish a new international scientific assessment panel to be called the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The 2007 IPCC's fourth and final Assessment Report (AR4) revealed that there is a considerable threat of Climate Change that requires urgent global attention. The report further attributed the present global warming to largely anthropogenic practices. The Earth is almost at a point of no return as it faces environmental threats which include atmospheric and marine pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, the dangers of pollution by nuclear and other hazardous substances, and the extinction of various wildlife species.
In Nigeria, firewood is a traditional source of energy for domestic and commercial use. Fuel wood is derived from cutting and burning wood materials such as logs and twigs. It has long been prevalent among rural and sometimes urban dwellers.
Reforestation in Nigeria employs both natural and artificial methods. Reforestation involves the deliberate planting of trees and restoring forested areas that have been depleted or destroyed. It involves a planned restocking of the forest to ensure sustainable supply of timber and other forest products. Reforestation, in essence, involves replenishing forests to guarantee a consistent and sustainable supply of timber and various other forest resources. This objective can be accomplished through either natural regeneration techniques or artificial regeneration methods. Both of these approaches have been utilized in the reforestation efforts within Nigeria's forests. At the initiation of the reforestation program in Nigeria, the natural regeneration approach was chosen for two primary reasons. Firstly, it aimed to preserve the rainforest in its original state by allowing it to regenerate naturally from the existing seed bank in the soil. Secondly, and of significant importance, this method was selected due to budgetary constraints, as there were insufficient funds available to establish plantations through direct means.
Fruit production is a major driver of deforestation around the world. In tropical countries, forests are often cleared to plant fruit trees, such as bananas, pineapples, and mangos. This deforestation is having a number of negative environmental impacts, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and land degradation.
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