The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, African Forest Forum, Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Labode Popoola, has identified lack of consequences for conservation (wise use) and deforestation as weakness facing sustainable forest management in Africa.
Noting that sustainable forest management remained key to a sustainable planet, Labode, a Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan (UI), said the forest was crucial to the economic, social and environmental well-being of humanity.
He spoke while delivering a public lecture with the theme: ‘Africa’s Forest and Sustainable Development in a Changing World’, as part of events to celebrate the 90th birthday of Emeritus Professor David Okali, a foremost scholar in Forestry.
The event, organised by the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (UI), Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST), among other partners, was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.
It was attended by scholars and personalities from the field of Forestry and other fields of endeavours, including the Vice Chancellor, UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Executive Director, top management officials of the university, faculties, students, friends, associates, family members, among others.
Prof Labode said promoting sustainable production, transformation and use of forest products and services should remain a cornerstone in Africa’s efforts to transit to a sustainable bio-economy that would enhance the livelihoods, gross domestic product, decent employment and food security, taking into account local circumstances.
He said: “That Africa’s forest and tree resources are central to discourse on sustainable development is not in question. Generally, sustainably managed forests improve landscapes, enhance recreation and ecosystem services.
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“For this to happen, there will be the need for enabling integrated regulatory framework, sound fundamental science, research and development and extensive collaboration.”
The don added that policy formulation must be tailored through “sustainable trade and consumption pattern for forest products and services; improving indigenous people, local communities and other stakeholders involvement; valuation of forest goods and services, including cultural values and ecosystem services; adequate funding of the Forestry sector, including capacity building; as well as appropriate pricing of forest products and services.”
He lauded the celebrant’s numerous legacies in environmental stewardship and policy advocacy, noting that through Prof. Okali, the world has had a remarkable and better understanding of the intricacies of nature, it’s dynamics and how it impacts sustainable development, if sustainably managed.
He recounted that in several of Emeritus Professor Okali’s studies, he had addressed the importance of traditional and indigenous knowledge systems in the sustainable management of forests and tree resources.
Citing other scholars, the guest lecturer noted that “African traditional and cultural practices engage various tools such as sacred groves/forest (ecosystem restrictions), family and individual taboos, food taboos, proverbs, incantations and deifications/personification of specific species in order to protect the forest.”
He, however, warned that “modernity, civilisation, cultural contamination and diminution of cultural history pose significant threats to the effectiveness of these practices as conservative tools.”
Prof. Adebowale paid tribute to Prof. Okali’s remarkable contributions to environmental scholarship and conservation, highlighting his groundbreaking work in forest ecology and conservation, which has had a lasting impact on environmental studies in Nigeria and beyond.
He emphasised the relevance of the topic in addressing pressing global challenges and praised Professor Okali’s visionary leadership and mentorship, describing him as a “giant Iroko tree in the forest of knowledge” and expressing gratitude about his service, scholarship and inspiring example.
He said the birthday celebration was not to celebrate “longevity, but we celebrate a life of immense impact, dedicated to the preservation of our planet.”
The Executive Director, NEST, Dr. Gloria Ujor, expressed gratitude to God for Prof Okali’s life and acknowledged his contributions to NEST, where he is a founding father and mentor.
Ujor highlighted the significance of the lecture, ‘Africa’s Forests and Sustainable Development in a Changing World’, noting its relevance to Africans and global challenges such as climate change.
She thanked University of Ibadan, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources and NEST partners for their support in making the event possible.
She also acknowledged Prof Okali’s qualities, including academic excellence, mentorship, kindness and straightforwardness,
The celebrant thanked the organisers, his friends, associates, past students and mentees for the honour done to him, saying he was still committed to the improvement of the field in the interest of humanity.
High point of the lecture was the presentation of gifts to the celebrant by his former students and associates.