Poland to partner National Park Service on forestry

Members of the State Forestry Department of Poland say they are eager to partner with the National Park Service on forestry and its value-chain.

The group communicated this during a courtesy visit on Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General, National Park Service, in Abuja.

Adam Rek, who spoke on behalf of the group, said that forests in Poland covered 30 per cent of its aerial space.

He said that some parts of the forests had been separated for reserve and timber activities.

“For every tree we cut down, we also plant new trees we also educate children on tree planting.

“We have a universal issue of lack of water; to sustain those trees, we retain water in reservoir; we try to keep those forests fresh even with the hot weather in Poland.

“500 million trees are planted every year to mitigate climate change; the resources that we get when we cut trees for timber are also used to protect the forest,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Goni said the visit would open up collaborations between Nigeria and Poland; adding that Nigeria would borrow some strategies from Poland.

He promised that there would be rapid regeneration as soon as the 10 new national parks commenced operations.

The conservator-general said that the parks needed an improved support from donor agencies and multinational establishment to combat illegal wildlife trade.

“Poland and Nigeria are going to share ideas that will be of benefits to the two countries,” he assured.

He expressed satisfaction on the invitation extended to him to visit Poland and understudy the country’s activities on wildlife conservation.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi