In the heart of North Central Nigeria, a silent crisis is unfolding within the gazetted forest reserves of Nasarawa State. A recent study published in the journal *Trees, Forests and People* (which translates to *Woods, Forests and People*) reveals alarming trends in land use and land cover change (LULCC) that could have significant implications for the region’s environment, economy, and energy sector. Led by Banki T. Chunwate from the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York and the Department of Environmental Management at Nasarawa State University, the research offers a stark look at the rapid degradation of protected areas and the urgent need for sustainable forest management.
The study focuses on three forest reserves in Nasarawa State, each representing a different geopolitical zone. Using historical data from 1966 and remote sensing imagery from 1986 to 2020, the researchers mapped out the dramatic changes in forest cover over the past five decades. The findings are sobering. Risha Forest Reserve, for instance, has lost 88% of its forest cover, with cropland expansion accounting for 87% of the land use change. Doma Forest Reserve fared slightly better but still lost 83% of its forest, with 65% of the area converted to cropland. Odu Forest Reserve, while showing the least degradation, still lost 55% of its forest cover by 2020.
These losses are not just environmental concerns; they have profound economic and commercial impacts, particularly for the energy sector. Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, and their rapid degradation contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. “The significant losses pose severe threats to local biodiversity and increase greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn exacerbate climate change impacts in the region,” Chunwate explained. This has direct implications for energy companies operating in the region, as climate change can lead to unpredictable weather patterns, resource scarcity, and increased operational risks.
The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable forest management practices. Chunwate recommends an immediate assessment of current tree cover in gazetted forest areas and the implementation of long-term strategies to preserve what remains. “The government and forest communities should take steps for immediate and long-term sustainable forest management, monitoring reserves to preserve what remains and maintain conservation potential,” he said. This includes the enforcement of the 2020 National Forest Policy, which aims to reduce rapid deforestation and promote the sustainable use of forest resources.
The findings of this study contribute to a growing body of research on deforestation trends in protected areas in Nigeria and West Africa. They provide a valuable baseline for future research and policy development, offering a roadmap for stakeholders in the energy sector to engage in more sustainable practices. As the region grapples with the impacts of climate change, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts becomes ever more critical. This research serves as a call to action, urging policymakers, energy companies, and local communities to work together to preserve the region’s forests and ensure a sustainable future for all.
In the face of these challenges, the study by Chunwate and his team offers a glimmer of hope. By understanding the patterns of deforestation and the drivers behind them, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to mitigate further losses and promote sustainable land use practices. The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in this effort, as it can leverage its resources and expertise to support reforestation initiatives, promote renewable energy sources, and reduce its carbon footprint. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for such collaborative efforts has never been greater.