Expert Calls For Public Awareness In Combating Deforestation

By Deborah Temilade

Professor Alaba Gbadamosi, an expert in Silviculture and Plant Biotechnology, has intensified the need for increased public awareness to combat deforestation and its adverse effects.

Gbadamosi made these remarks during the recent 22nd Inaugural Lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University's Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall, themed, "The Earth's Heating Mantle: Forest To The Rescue."

He advocated for public education on the dangers of bush burning, stressing its contribution to climate change. Gbadamosi also calls for imposing appropriate sanctions and heavy fines on arsonists who destroy bushes and forests.

"We only have one Earth; hence, public enlightenment on the dangers of bush burning should be intensified, and strict punishment, including imprisonment and heavy fines, should be enforced against arsonists who destroy bushes and forests under the guise of hunting wild animals."

He further stressed the importance of encouraging students to study Forestry and its components, highlighting the need for a well-trained workforce to address current challenges and future demands.

"Environmental degradation contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and the emergence of new diseases. Forests and trees can play crucial roles in addressing these crises and moving towards sustainable economies.

"Do people destroy forests because they are poor, or are people poor because they destroy forests?" Gbadamosi questioned.

In an interview with ECHO MEDIA, the President of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kingsley Iyeawoji underscored the importance of educating people about the dangers of deforestation to prevent it.

"Those who lack adequate knowledge of deforestation need to be educated," he said.

Samuel Abolanle, a 300-level student at AAUA, also added that reforestation and sustainable farming practices will combat deforestation's heat effects.

"We should practice sustainable farming by replenishing trees whenever they are cut down; otherwise, our environment will suffer from increased heat," Abolanle suggested.