In the heart of Nigeria, a silent battle is unfolding, one that could have far-reaching implications for the energy sector and beyond. The Afi River Forest Reserve in Cross River State, a vital ecosystem, is under siege from land use and land cover (LULC) changes, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Agroforestry and Environment. The research, led by C. I. Duru of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, paints a stark picture of a forest under pressure.
The study, which analyzed satellite imagery from 1992 to 2022, reveals a significant decline in dense vegetation, from 312.14 square kilometers to 271.28 square kilometers. This loss is alarming, considering the forest’s role in carbon sequestration and its potential for bioenergy production.
“The decline in dense vegetation highlights the pressures from agricultural expansion, urbanization, and other anthropogenic activities,” Duru said. This trend is not just an environmental concern; it’s a commercial one. The energy sector, particularly bioenergy, relies heavily on sustainable forest management. As Duru points out, “Prioritizing sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry and sustainable agriculture, is essential to alleviate agricultural pressures.”
The study used Landsat satellite imagery and a supervised classification method to map LULC types and predict future changes. The results are sobering: by 2052, dense vegetation could further decline to 220.32 square kilometers, while farmland, water bodies, built-up areas, and bare land are expected to expand.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Bioenergy, a renewable energy source derived from biological materials such as wood, agricultural crops, and waste from plants or animals, depends on sustainable forest management. As Duru notes, “Continuous monitoring of LULC changes is vital for informing adaptive management strategies and implementing effective policy interventions.”
The study underscores the urgent need for action. It calls for strengthening community-based forest management programs and fostering local participation in conservation efforts. These measures are not just about preserving biodiversity; they’re about securing a sustainable future for the energy sector.
The Afi River Forest Reserve is a microcosm of a global issue. As forests shrink, so do opportunities for sustainable energy production. The research by Duru and his team serves as a wake-up call, urging us to prioritize sustainable land use practices and conserve our forests. The future of the energy sector, and indeed our planet, depends on it. The study was published in the Journal of Agroforestry and Environment.