Bashir Opaluwa Idris
The Daruwana Development Foundation in Collaboration with United Nation Development Project Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF-SGP) has flagged off the Community led restoration and sustainable livelihood development in Gbawuru Forest, Odenyi in Bassa Local Government.
The move aims to ensure biodiversity, climate stability, and resources for future generations.
Forests are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both the environment and human society, it also serve as habitats for countless species, act as carbon sinks, and play a crucial role in regulating the climate.
However, deforestation and habitat degradation have led to significant biodiversity loss, threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystems.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the Gbawuru Forest Restoration, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Daruwana Development Foundation, Mr. Wumani Daniel, said the Community-led forest restoration initiatives are essential in addressing the challenges as they empower local populations to take an active role in conserving their natural resources.
Mr. Daniel noted that the Gbawuru Forest which is over one hundred thousand hectares has been degraded for years due to exploitation.
According to him, the project seeks to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity protection and the role of forests in mitigating climate change.
While noting that there are alternative methods of income generation without depleting the forest, Mr. Daniel noted that several activities are lined up by the foundation to train the people on regenerating farming.
On her part, the Co-Founder of Daruwana Development Foundation, Mrs. Victoria Dukwo Sunday who said the essence of the programme is conservation of the forest and awareness to human that deforestation is no longer allowed, called on the people of the community to accept the project wholeheartedly.
The Representative of United Nation Development Project (UNDP-GEF SGP), Nigeria National Steering Committee Member, Ruth Akagu, thanked the various stakeholders and members of the community for supporting the success of the project, noting that it would have a significant impact on the community both now and in future.
In a message to the occasion, Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area, Hon. Theophilus Daruwana Adama who was represented by his vice, Hon. Aishat Aliyu, expressed joy that the project is happening in his tenure and assured of his commitment to the success of the program for the development of the area.
The Clan Head of Akuba Two Odenyi, Chief Denda Sigidi assured of his commitment to work hard in ensuring that the project is executed in compliance to the rules and guidelines given by UN GEF-SGP Nigeria, to produce the expected results and impact.
On his part, the leader of Odenyi/Gbawuru Community, Pastor Daniel Rai Zhiya, solicited the support of the apex body to implore it’s legal rules for the security and preservation of the project, as herdsmen’s devastation and vandalization of agricultural farms including destruction of lives thrives persist in the community.
Speaking on behalf of women of the community, Mrs. Celina Lashi Dogwo expressed optimism that the project will be of great benefit to the land and assured of their commitment to ensuring it’s success.
