Forest conservationists converge in Olokemeji for third reforestation plantathon

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The IITA Forest Center organized the third marathon tree planting (plantathon) at Olokemeji in June as part of the Olokemeji Reforestation Project. Representatives from project sponsor Nigerian Breweries Plc participated in the scheduled plantathon to reforest the degraded Olokemeji Forest reserve. They joined seasoned conservationists from the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Emerald Forest, and Waste Museum, Ibadan, in the tree planting exercise.

In his welcome remarks, IITA Forest Center Patron Dr David Ladipo spoke about research offering scientific data to ensure reforestation is done sustainably. He highlighted a mixed plantation as the proven model for re-creating a forest against monoculture or planting one kind of specie to reforest degraded forestlands. He lauded IITA Forest Center for adopting the mixed planting system for the reforestation of Olokemeji Forest Reserve.

Prof. Saka Jimoh, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, said, “Human needs are being addressed as we take care of biodiversity. We should also harness the cultural wealth of the indigenous residents of the land and incorporate their contributions into the planning of the restoration of Olokemeji Forest Reserve.”

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