ibironkeeniola 
GOVERNMENT at all levels have been called upon to come up with new ways of financing forestry development.
Making the call was Evergreen Tree Planters, formerly known as The Nigerian Tree Planters, in a communique issued after a symposium with the theme: ‘Sustainable Forest Resources Management of The Nation’ to mark the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Giwa Bisi Rodipe, which was held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, recently.
“Government at all levels must innovate new ways of financing forestry development. This may include crowdfunding, Public Private Partnerships and carbon marketing.
“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive nationwide forest resources assessment to determine the status of forest reserves, re-establish their boundaries and update maps. Participatory forest management models should be developed through specific studies and stakeholders consultations,” it said.
The communique further stated that in order to check the frequent encroachment of forest reserves for farming, grazing and other purposes, a national land use plan is necessary.
It also called for the diversification of forest management objectives by embracing multiple use of forest management, while also calling for the review of forest laws to reflect the realities of today.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE