Experts from seven Nigerian states gathered in Calabar, the capital of Cross River state, to plan and create strategies for the implementation of the REDD+ project in Nigeria, aimed at reducing emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
The purpose of the workshop is to share the results of the study, involve stakeholders in the sector, and provide direction for finalizing the study and developing policies that will inform future steps for implementing REDD+ in Nigeria.
It was gathered that experts from Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), Environment for Development Nigeria (EfD Nigeria) carried out a study to estimate household participation in REDD+, as well as the welfare impacts of REDD+ pilot projects among households in Nigeria. The project was supported by the Swedish International Development Agency through the Environment for Development (EfD).
The Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), Environment for Development Nigeria (EfD Nigeria) Prof Nnaeneka Chukwuone, observed the alarming rate of loss of forest resources globally and its consequences for the climate which led to the introduction of REDD+.
In his presentation, he noted that between 2010 and 2015, 3.3 million hectares of forest per year were cleared. From 2001 to 2023, Nigeria’s humid primary forest decreased by 9.4%, which amounts to a loss of 181Kha of its humid primary forest. In the same period, the country lost 1.33 Mha of tree cover, equivalent to a tree cover decrease of 13% since 2000, and 724 Mt of CO₂e emissions.
Chukwuone emphasized that REDD+ projects, besides reducing carbon emissions, must impact local livelihoods to be adjudged to be successful.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the Forestry Commission in Cross River State, Rt Hon George Oben Etchi, remained confident that the REDD+ project would succeed in the state, despite facing skepticism and doubt from forest communities.
“Communities have waited for so long, they have not seen the things we promised them. I am happy that everyone in this room believes in the process and we will make it work.
“I pray our communities be a little more patience. We’ve been patience for the past 15 years, let’s keep the faith alive. My commitment is that we will do everything that is required to get this project implemented, he said.
On his part, National Coordinator, REDD+ Secretariat, Dr Moses Ama during his presentation explained that REDD+ connects international support to local actions by presenting a window of opportunity to plan for measures to stop de forestation and enhance carbon sinks.
According to him, “As there is no universal approach to implementing REDD+ and no single entity can do it on their own, it is essential for all international organizations, countries, sectors, civil society groups, and communities to increase their dedication to taking tangible actions. By working together, we can effectively respond to the pressing need for implementing REDD+ and, in turn, tackle the issue of climate change while promoting the welfare of rural communities reliant on forests.
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the National Climate Change Council, expressed in a goodwill message that REDD+ plays a significant role in Nigeria’s Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy, and he emphasized that it is expected to be successful in Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.