Government and Charcoal Export Association Collaborate to Reforest and Combat Climate Change
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Loading... - Chima Okoro
- 30 May 2023
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In an effort to tackle the pressing issue of climate change in Nigeria, the Charcoal Export Legality and Compliance Group, in partnership with the Federal Government, has officially launched a symbolic tree planting initiative in the Iseyin area of Oyo State.
This tree planting project has received support from the Department of Forestry within the Federal Ministry of Environment, as well as the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
During the event, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, the Minister of Environment, highlighted that the group's afforestation project aligns with the national forest policy established by the Federal Government. Represented by the Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abdullahi emphasized that this project fulfills the requirements for Nigeria's timber legality standards for wood exports.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Federal Government lifted the ban on wood and charcoal exports in January, acknowledging the ecological, social, cultural, and economic significance of forest products and aiming to unleash the full potential of the forestry sector. However, the government has also implemented specific measures to ensure responsible exporting practices.
Abdullahi explained, "As part of these measures, wood export groups are now required to engage in afforestation, a return to forest initiative in which they must replant trees. The Nigeria timber legality standard guarantees that all trees leaving the country are legal wood."
The charcoal export group's afforestation project serves as both a compliance with the national forest policy and the Nigeria timber legality standard. Abdullahi emphasized the significant threat that climate change poses to the world and stressed the critical role of afforestation in addressing these challenges.
In conclusion, the Minister encouraged every citizen to contribute to the fight against climate change by planting trees in their neighborhoods.
