NCF to plant 2,350 trees on Maladumba lake in Bauchi
NCF to plant 2,350 trees on Maladumba lake in Bauchi
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is to plant 2,350 trees on the Maladumba lake in Bauchi State to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed, General Manager (GM) Bauchi State Tourism Board disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi.
According to reports, Maladumba lake is a natural and shallow lake located approximately 18km South-West of Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi with a surrounding forest reserve in Bauchi state.
Mohammed, who lamented the level of forest degradation in the country, stressed the need not to neglect the environment given the impact of climate change.
In his words, ”Trees should be planted to provide the much-needed shade and cooling, as well as creating a more pleasant and friendly environment for the school children to play.
“Trees growing near lakes provide many benefits, including erosion control, shade and food or shelter for wildlife.
“Already the community as part of their responsibility have cleared the proposed site surrounding the lake for tree planting.”
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He said the lake Maladumba serves as a source of livelihood for thousands of smallholder farmers cutting across over 30 communities in the State.
“There are a lot of fishing activities in the lake and the water is used for irrigation farming during the dry season.
“The lake is also strategically important in terms of food security and ecologically it plays a significant role for migratory birds,” he said.
The GM noted that the sensitisation of wetlands and agriculture will go a long way in the conservation of wetlands and their protection against further distortion and depletion by human activities.
Mohammed explained that the lake would provide prime opportunities for recreation, tourism, cottage or residential living and would also help to replenish groundwater.
He said the state government is working on plans to make the lake and surrounding Community a hub of business and tourism as well as improve food security in the state.
