In a significant move towards sustainable forest management, the Benue ACReSAL Project has initiated the formation of Forest Management Committees across various communities in the state. This initiative aims to ensure that local residents take an active role in protecting and managing the afforestation and reforestation efforts supported by the project.
Members of the State Project Management Unit, alongside their focal NGO partners in Zones A and B, recently embarked on a tour of communities impacted by the Benue ACReSAL Project. Communities in Tarka, Gboko, Vandeikya, and Ushongo LGAs were visited by the ACReSAL Team. During their visit, they emphasized the importance of establishing these committees, which are crucial for safeguarding the investments made in local reforestation efforts.
Community members were encouraged to select representatives to serve on the newly formed committees, a process designed to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the local environment. Each committee will take charge of the management of plantations within their respective areas, ensuring that these vital resources are maintained and protected.
A key aspect of the initiative is educating communities about the dangers of bush burning, a common practice that threatens both the newly planted trees and the surrounding ecosystems. By raising awareness and providing practical fire management strategies, the committees will play an essential role in preventing wildfires that could devastate the forests and plantations.
Through these efforts, the Benue ACReSAL Project aims to combat environmental degradation and empower local communities to take charge of their natural resources, creating a sustainable future for generations to come. As the newly formed Forest Management Committees begin their work, they represent a hopeful step toward a greener, more resilient Benue State.