By Fatima Muraina

|

Ondo state government has expressed its readiness to support the Global Environmental Facilities Phase 7 (GEF7) project of the Food and Agricultural Organisation to improve conversation.

The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, made the declaration at a State-Level Stakeholders Consultation workshop on Conservation of Biodiversity And Sustainable Use of Lowland Forest Mosaic Landscape held in Akure, the state capital.

Akeredolu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Oyeniyi Oseni, appreciated the gesture of the Food and Agriculture Organisation to intervene through the GEF7 project in the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of lowland forest mosaic landscape in some affected states.

He explained that the project aimed at improving conservation, sustainable use and restoration of the lowland forest mosaic landscape to protect globally significant biodiversity and strengthen sustainable livelihood of local communities.

Applauding the initiative, Akeredolu described the project as a welcome development which came at the appropriate time where the state is among the four benefitting states in the federation.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, represented by the Administrative Secretary of Forestry, David Adeshina, said the state has put in place measures to tackle climate change issues, such as planting of trees.

He disclosed that the state is presently nursing 80,000 exotic and indigenous trees at the forestry’s nursery section,which will be ready in few months time for planting.

In his remarks, the FAO team leader, Professor Adebayo Shittu commended the state for improving the livelihood of the people and especially, those at the grassroots forest regeneration through planting of trees and other measures to combat forest degradation and deforestation.

The Director General, PPMU, Engr. Babajide Akeredolu commended the initiative and assured of government’s support towards the success of the project.