A Professor of Geography, Adesola Ogidiolu, has raised alarm over the declining health of forests and called for urgent, coordinated action to safeguard forest resources, describing them as critical to environmental sustainability, energy security, and poverty alleviation.
Delivering the 18th inaugural lecture on Tuesday at Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, titled “Geographer in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks,” the scholar stressed that forest health and vitality remain central to ecological balance and human well-being.
Ogidiolu explained that a healthy forest is one capable of maintaining its structure and resilience over time, while supporting biodiversity and meeting human needs.
He warned that threats such as fire, pests, over-exploitation, poor management, urban expansion, and climate-related events continue to endanger forests globally, particularly in developing countries.
“Decline in forest health has far-reaching economic and ecological consequences, including loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation,” he said, noting that both biotic factors like insects and diseases, and abiotic factors such as pollution and drought, contribute to forest deterioration.
The professor also highlighted the growing global interest in forests as alternative sources of energy, especially amid rising fossil fuel costs and climate concerns. He identified bioenergy from forest resources as a viable renewable option but cautioned that its benefits depend on sustainable management to balance carbon emissions.
Turning to socio-economic issues, Ogidiolu underscored the strong link between forests and poverty alleviation, revealing that forest resources contribute up to 25 percent of income for households living near forest areas. He explained that forests serve as sources of livelihood, safety nets during economic shocks, and pathways to prosperity.
However, he warned against overdependence and unsustainable exploitation, which could worsen environmental degradation and deepen poverty in the long run.
On security concerns, the geographer pointed out that forests in Nigeria have increasingly become hideouts for criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping, and illegal resource exploitation. He noted that the difficult terrain and limited surveillance in forested areas pose significant challenges to security agencies.
He advocated the use of geospatial technologies and community-based mapping to identify and address security hotspots within forest regions.
Ogidiolu further outlined key roles for geographers in forest management, including mapping and monitoring forest resources, conducting environmental impact assessments, analysing forest dynamics, and applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for planning and conservation.
He emphasized that geography, often overlooked, plays a vital role in sustainable forest management and environmental protection.
The lecturer also made far-reaching recommendations, including expanding forest landscapes, promoting sustainable harvesting practices, restoring degraded forests, and achieving zero net deforestation. He called for stronger climate action, community participation in forest protection, and increased investment in research and training.
Ogidiolu urged governments to improve forest governance, eliminate poverty in forest communities, and create alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on forest resources.
He concluded by calling for greater recognition of geography as a discipline, recommending that it be made a core subject in Nigeria’s education system to equip future generations with the knowledge required for environmental sustainability.
The lecture attracted academics, students, and stakeholders in environmental management, who commended the professor’s insights and practical recommendations for addressing forest-related challenges.
