Join the Fight: National Park Advocates Push for Carbon Reduction to Combat Climate Change – Latest Insights from EnviroNews

The National Park Service (NPS) is actively working to combat climate change in Nigeria by focusing on carbon reduction strategies. Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of NPS, emphasized this commitment during a recent interview in Abuja.

Goni highlighted the establishment of ten new national parks, aimed at significantly enhancing carbon sequestration. Currently, Nigeria has seven national parks covering 20,000 square kilometers, which absorb about 4.8 million tons of carbon dioxide. He explained that the new parks will further increase this capacity.

He also encouraged Nigerians to participate in afforestation efforts, which are crucial for restoring degraded lands suffering from erosion. According to Goni, the federal government’s initiative to plant 25 million trees shows a strong commitment to mitigating climate change and preserving Nigeria’s natural resources.

In 2020, the government approved the creation of these ten new parks, which include locations in various states:

• Alawa National Park (Niger State)
• Apoi and Edumenun National Parks (Bayelsa State)
• Galgore National Park (Kano State)
• Hadejia Wetland National Park (Jigawa State)
• Kampe National Park (Kwara State)
• Kogo National Park (Katsina State)
• Marhi National Park (Nasarawa State)
• Oba Hill National Park (Osun State)
• Pandam National Park (Plateau State)

These areas not only contribute to carbon capture but also provide vital habitats for wildlife, supporting biodiversity.

Recent studies indicate that natural solutions, like reforestation and creating national parks, can offer a cost-effective way to tackle climate change. In fact, research from the World Resources Institute found that every dollar spent on protecting and restoring forests could yield up to $30 in benefits through ecosystem services.

Public response to the government’s efforts has been largely positive, with many people taking to social media to share their support for tree-planting initiatives and the establishment of new parks. Engaging the community is key, as local involvement in conservation leads to greater success.

In summary, Nigeria’s push for more national parks and active carbon reduction efforts is a promising step. By combining government initiatives with community action, the country is laying a strong foundation for a more sustainable future. For more on the environmental impacts of national parks, check out this report from the World Wildlife Fund on the importance of conservation efforts.

Check out this related article: Join the Fight: How Our ‘Pro Bono Bootcamp’ Empowers Lawyers to Drive the Climate Movement Forward

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Carbon reduction,climate action,climate change,National Park Service (NPS)