A Professor of Botany at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Anthony Odiwe, has called for coordinated efforts among government agencies, research institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations to ensure sustainable forest management in Nigeria.
Odiwe also urged forest-dependent communities to actively participate in conservation efforts through participatory governance and sustainable livelihood opportunities that support ecosystem services.
The don made the call while delivering the institution’s 423rd inaugural lecture.
In a copy of the lecture titled “Human Exploration of Forest Ecosystems: A Blessing or a Curse?”, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, Odiwe said evidence from three decades of ecological research had shown that human exploration of forests is neither inherently beneficial nor inevitably destructive.
According to him, the outcome of such exploration depends largely on its manner, intensity and purpose.
“Human exploration becomes a blessing only when it evolves into stewardship. It is therefore obvious that forests are not victims
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