The Jigawa government has banned tree felling for firewood and charcoal to protect forest resources and the environment.

On Monday, Lawan Ahmed, the managing director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), said tree felling was banned across the 27 local government areas.

Mr Ahmed said the measure was imperative to check indiscriminate felling of trees by loggers for fuel wood and charcoal.

“The menace ravages the state’s existing and fragile trees with potential deforestation on farm yields, livelihood and public health,” stated JISEPA. “Trees provide a life support system, play a vital role in economic and social lives, carbon sequestration and global climate regulation as well as regulating local air quality and rainfall patterns.”

Mr Ahmed added, “Deforestation, fragmentation and degradation destroy the biodiversity, now many trees, shrubs, herbs and habitats for some animal species have been depleted, while some are endangered.”

According to him, the consequences of cutting down trees are enormous, ranging from decreased biodiversity and habitat loss, climate change, desertification, loss of water and soil resources, and psychological and social consequences.

He, therefore, urged residents of the state to report the activities of the loggers to the agency, forestry offices and law enforcement agents.

(NAN)