Dr. Salisu Ibrahim Waziri
By Fatima Jamil Ahmad
In a bid to address the escalating issue of deforestation and its impact on climate change, Dr. Salisu Ibrahim Waziri, an environmental health economist at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State, has emphasized the need for concerted efforts among institutions, governments, NGOs, and communities.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Waziri outlined short-term, medium, and long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of deforestation, stressing the importance of collaboration and sustainable practices.
He lauded the recent collaboration between Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and environmental conservation clubs, where each student is required to plant a tree as part of short-term solutions.
Dr. Waziri also commended the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) and other government agencies for their efforts in planting and restoring local species.
He highlighted World Bank interventions like the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Kabir Gamawa, which educates local communities on the significance of planting trees.
“These are laudable short-term solutions, but we need more comprehensive efforts,” Dr. Waziri said, emphasizing the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the need for climate change action beyond politics.
Dr. Waziri called for a dedicated government budget for afforestation and deforestation control, urging the prompt release of funds to ensure the effective conservation of forests. He emphasized the need to explore alternative energy sources, such as generating clean energy from animal waste, solar, and water, to reduce reliance on firewood.
Citing Dr. Heidi Ngombe’s innovative cooking gas solution derived from water, he stressed the potential of such alternatives to significantly reduce deforestation.
In his view, collaboration among institutions of higher learning, the private sector, and research and development agencies is essential.
“We need to come together instead of working in isolation,” he said, urging all stakeholders to play an active role in environmental conservation.
Dr. Waziri proposed the long-term solution of planting a minimum of one million trees annually in each local government area across the country.
He explained that agroforestry, the integration of trees and crops on the same land, could balance agricultural needs and forest conservation.
“This will help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity, including pollination by bees, which are vital for the production of high-quality honey,” he explained.
He concluded by stressing the importance of sustainable practices that not only benefit the current generation but also future ones.
“We need to ensure that our actions today will provide long-term environmental gains and be passed on to future generations, in line with the global forest declarations and agreements like Rio de Janeiro and Rio Plus,” he remarked.
Dr. Waziri’s call for collective efforts serves as a timely reminder of the critical role each sector plays in preserving the environment for the well-being of all.
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