The Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has set up a Forestry Community Relations Forum to check incidences of de-forestation in the state.
Disclosing this in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Abakaliki, the Head of Forestry Department, Mr Ferdinand Umeh, said the forum would comprise officials of the ministry and forestry-donor communities.
"These communities know their indigenes and would assist the government in identifying those who engage in various de-forestation activities such as tree-felling. "They would be of utmost importance to us as our forest guards cannot effectively identify these violators," he said.
Umeh said to enhance the work of both parties, the ministry would provide forest produce to the communities to plant and nurture. "We keep the yields of the produce, but most time share them with the communities to bring out the best from them," he said. According to him, the committee will also check the incessant felling of trees for commercial purposes by youths in the communities.
"Most youths, especially from warring communities like Ezza and Ezillo, indiscriminately fell trees for commercial purposes which affects the forest land mass and ultimately the ecosystem. "It is encouraging that the government is creating job opportunities for youths, especially those in the rural areas," he said.
Umeh noted that the ministry had prosecuted over 17 forestation violators, adding that more violators would also be prosecuted. "We have also intensified our enlightenment campaigns through radio jingles and television to dissuade people from engaging in de-forestation activities," he said.
NAN
Comments Post a comment
The Ebonyi government is actually on the right track since Community Relations is all about establishing and maintaining beneficial relationships. However, they should not forget to take into consideration all the stakeholders involved in the process such as the head of the community, the opinion leaders, employees, all members of the community, without forgetting the media which is very vital in the dissemination of information. Most importantly, the needs of the community has to be put into consideration because the members of the community won't respond if they don't have benefits to derive.
The Ebonyi government is actually on the right track since Community Relations is all about establishing and maintaining beneficial relationships. However, they should not forget to take into consideration all the stakeholders involved in the process such as the head of the community, the opinion leaders, employees, all members of the community, without forgetting the media which is very vital in the dissemination of information. Most importantly, the needs of the community have to be put into consideration because the members of the community won't respond if they don't have benefits to derive.
JANET OMOLARA JIYA CALEB UNIVERSITY, IMOTA, LAGOS It is very good that the Ebonyi state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources came up with a community relation plan with the purpose of providing information that concerns the community and presenting a community relation programme that helps the communication between the local resident and the company. I’m also impressed with the fact that they involved every key player in the player. Not neglecting the youth was one a good step in achieving their goals. As we all know the impact of youth in every community. Such devaluation can be found amongst the youth. One important thing in community relation programme is, the company must meet up to their needs and do not leave them handicap after solving issues.
This i must say is very impressive
This is a very brain storming idea, it is very good because it is basically a forum to check incidences of deforestation in the state, it is also for promoting and sustaining dialogues and that should be the main goal of this whole idea, it is also to foster positive community relations environment. CALEB UNVERSITY, IMOTA, LAGOS
See All Comments