The Ondo State Government’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, Parks and Ecotourism, in collaboration with Centre for Human Settlements and Sustainable Developments (CHUSSDEV), has initiated a reforestation project at Osse River Park.

The state government was also in technical partnership with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Lere Akinola, who inaugurated the tree-planting on Friday at the park in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, said the aim was to restore forest habitats for animals.

Mr Akinola, represented by the Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism, Oluwasola Ibosiola, appreciated the partners for their support in restoring the forest to its former glory.

He said, “The project aims to restore the forest habitat for animals that have migrated by planting 5,000 indigenous tree species.’’

Earlier, Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi of FUTA’s Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, who facilitated the project, explained that human activities such as encroachment, farming, and poaching led to the disappearance of animals from the forest.

Mr Fabiyi added that the project would engage farmers in tree planting and maintenance, promoting agroforestry and wildlife conservation.

Also, Prof. Anthony Ogunjinmi of FUTA’s Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, noted that the park was once a thriving habitat for large mammals.

He expressed hope that the reforestation would attract the animals’ return and support ecotourism and research.

Mr Ogunjinmi advised the Ondo State Government to consider handing over the park to the National Park Service for better management and conservation.

Meanwhile, the Director-General, NCF, who spoke on the conservation efforts, Dr Joseph Onoja, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Mr Onoja, represented by the NCF Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, Dr Adedayo Memudu, stressed NCF’s mandate, which included protecting endangered species and habitats, advocated climate action, promoting nature-based solutions and providing environmental education.

He said, “As a leading voice in environmental protection, NCF focuses on initiatives like the Forest-Green Recovery Nigeria project, aiming to increase forest cover from 4-7 per cent to 25 per cent by 2047.’’

The director-general, therefore, appreciated stakeholders for coming together to restore the natural habitat degraded by human activities, making the park conducive for wildlife, ecotourism and conservation.

(NAN)