DEFORESTATION: Edo Govt Flags Off Planting 30,000 Forest Trees

As part of efforts to regenerate depleted forest covers in Edo, the state government has commenced planting of 30,000 forest trees on 27 hectares of land at the Ehor Forest Reserve, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Dr. Festus Onogholo, in a statement on Monday, said the forest regeneration project is part of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s initiative to roll back the effects of deforestation in the state.

He noted that the state government was engaging critical stakeholders to regenerate forest covers that were depleted, adding “The Edo State Government is carrying out pegging in preparation for planting of 30,000 forest trees, which will cover 27 hectares of deforested forest reserve in Area BC 16/1 Ehor Forest Reserve”.

According to him, work has been completed on the forest demarcation, brushing, sliding, burning and packing, noting that the planting of the trees is expected to follow after the pegging.

He added that Governor Obaseki is committed to ensuring that the forest regeneration project is successful through a multi-stakeholder engagement to replenish the state’s rich forest reserve.

Onogholo noted that the state government has in place mechanisms for massive reforestation and protection of the forest as the state has high potentials for forest regeneration.

According to him, “The state government is committed to its forest regeneration efforts. The strategy is holistic and we are partnering with international experts on this project. This complements what the major plantation owners in the state are doing. Members of the community within the reserve are also a part of the project”.

“Forest regeneration is among several initiatives by the Obaseki-led government to build sustainable means of livelihoods for Edo people”, he added.