National Park Services Condemns Illegal Logging, Highlights Effects of Deforestation

National Park Services Condemns Illegal Logging, Highlights Effects of Deforestation

The Conservator General (CG), National Park Services (NPS), Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni has warned illegal loggers to desist from their nefarious activities across Nigeria’s forests reserves or face the wrath of the law.

The CG added that their activities lead to deforestationThe CG added that their activities lead to deforestation with attendant harmful impacts on humans and the environment, THECONSCIENCEng reports.

The CG gave this warning while speaking to the media on Wednesday.

According to Dr Goni, “Reports have shown that some Nigerians still engage in, and abet, serious illegal logging which causes deforestation across the country.

“The Service condemns these nefarious activities and warns that the long arms of the law will soon catch up with the perpetrators.”

The CG explained that the risks from illegal logging are severe as “trees absorb and store carbon dioxide. If forests are cleared, or even disturbed, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which will be harmful to the environment and humans as well.”

The park services boss noted: “A safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is the foundation of human life. But today, because of human action the crises of climate change are directly and severely impacting our lives and environment negatively. Deforestation affects us all, whether we realise it or not.

“Forests have a big influence on rainfall patterns, water and soil quality and flood prevention too. Millions of people and animals rely directly on forests for their livelihood.

“Forest loss and damage is the cause of around 10% of global warming. There’s simply no way we can fight the climate crisis if we don’t stop deforestation.

“It will lead to more infectious diseases in humans as it has been established that deforestation can be a strong driver of infectious disease transmission.

“It reduces biodiversity; the release of greenhouse gas emissions has been negatively affecting natural ecosystems and the climate.”

Calling for more public support for the park services in the fight, he said “People know these illegal loggers and their buyers, they live among us, and they should report them to the appropriate authorities because the evil they are covering will consume us all, if not nipped in the bud.

“Our office is open to collaboration and ideas and will continue to work on letting our people know the danger we face. This is a call to action for all well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight of protecting our ecosystem.

“We reiterate our commitment to building a climate resilient environment across our parks and the country at large. We need to protect our forests now, more than ever before.”