The Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation (NEW-F), in partnership with the Women Environmental Programme of the Green Livelihood Alliance, trained residents of the Ohatekwe-Edda community in Abakaliki Local Government Area on forest management and conservation methods.
According to Dr. Kelechi Okezie, Executive Director of NEW-F, the goals of the training were to increase public awareness of climate change and forest protection while fostering discussion on the development of alternative and wood-efficient stoves.
“The community dialogue is also aimed at strengthening the community’s resolve to mobilise and resist deforestation in their community,” he added.
The interactive discussion shed light on the critical need to protect the area’s remaining forests, in particular the Ndiode and Ofia Eze forests, which are under danger due to population pressure for fuelwood, building materials, and agricultural land.
Dr. Okezie stressed that rural groups, particularly the elderly, sick, children, and women, are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. He listed the benefits of forests, such as clean air, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, income, and therapeutic herbs.
He stated that forests also serve an important role in climate change mitigation, the preservation of traditional holy places, soil erosion prevention, and soil nutrient conservation.
“I charge the community members to be intentional in safeguarding their forests and ensuring the yearly planting of trees,” Mr. Okezie said.
The traditional ruler of Ohatekwe-Edda, Ezeogo Godwin Nwankwegu, stated that the people were already suffering from changes in the climate.
“Our livelihood, health, and economic well-being are seriously affected by climate change due to the impact of people’s activities, such as cutting down trees without replanting and other negative activities,” he said.
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