‘Many shrubs, herbs depleted’ – Jigawa bans tree felling for firewood, charcoal

The Jigawa state government has banned tree felling for charcoal and firewood to safeguard the forest and environmental resources.

In a statement on Monday, Lawan Ahmed, managing director, Jigawa state environmental protection agency (JISEPA), said indiscriminate tree felling by loggers is prohibited across the 27 LGAs in the state.

Ahmed said the activities of charcoal makers have weakened several shrubs and herbs, adding that trees play a vital role in regulating climate.

“The agency observed and received reports of incessant and indiscriminate feeling of trees for unauthorised and illegal logging, uprooting of trees for fuel and charcoal,” NAN quoted Ahmed as saying.

“The menace ravages the state’s existing and fragile trees with potential deforestation on farm yields, livelihood and public health.

“Trees provide life support system, play vital role in economic and social lives, carbon sequestration and global climate regulation, as well as regulating local air quality and rainfall patterns.”

The managing director added that “deforestation, fragmentation and degradation destroy the biodiversity. He also said that “many trees, shrubs, herbs and habitats for some animal species have been depleted, while some are endangered”.

He called on residents to report the activities of loggers to JISEPA, forestry offices, and other law enforcement agents in the state.