Mr Joseph Effiong, an environment and development expert has urged the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to embark on effective sensitisation on the importance of tree planting to prevent flooding across the country.
Effiong made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that most Nigerians had failed to realise the importance of tree planting, adding that strong awareness would help educate the people on the dangers involved in tree falling on the environment.
He said that the residents had formed the habit of cutting down trees without replacing them, adding that such situation could cause erosion and heavy flooding, especially people in low level areas.
“This attitude of indiscriminate cutting of trees is really causing heavy erosion in our environment.
“Tree planting provides oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife.
“Tree planting promotes environmental conservation and improves livelihoods.
“Sensitisation on community forest management and tree planting will promote environmental sustainability and increase social economic benefit drive from the local communities.
“High levels of awareness and sensitisation should be an effective option that can offer multiple benefits to the environment.
“It is important to sensitise to various communities, especially those in rural areas to let them know that trees help to protect the land from erosion by moving water during the rainy season.
“People living in low level areas must be encouraged to plant trees to prevent flooding leading to destruction of lives and property,’’ he said.
The expert advised the government to enforce an environmental and natural resources law that would help to explain regulations, statutes, local, national and international legislation and treaties designed to protect the environment from damage.
He said that the law would as well give details on the legal consequences of such damage to governments and the country at large.
Effiong, however, urged Nigerians to keep their environment clean and attractive by planting trees and vegetables as well as ensuring that they were maintained adequately.
