The Charcoal Exports and Supply conference (CHES2018) has called for more trees to be planted so as to safeguard the environment and preserve the charcoal business.
The called was made by participants at the end of CHES2018 conference attended by various representatives of Oyo State ministries held in Iseyin.
The export advisor of the National Export Promotion Council, Mr Ogungbade Joe in his address said Charcoal business in Nigeria has gone global.
“Charcoal is among the ten leading products being exported to Europe, Charcoal is not just a mere village thing, it has gone international. You must plant two trees anytime you cut one because it enhances the human well being and the business of charcoal. There are special species of trees to be used and processed to get a quality charcoal like Melania specie”.
The President of SEDDAN, in his address said planting of trees needs to be encouraged at the grassroots level.
“Tree planting is very important cause of the future. The chiefs in our communities need to make sure that farmers in their town plants trees for the survival of the charcoal business. This program is very good for people especially farmers, to awaken them. Planting of trees should come from groups or associations of different settlements and towns”
Also, Mr Adeniji Micheal, project coordinator of the tree planting Nigeria gave an open call to all to partner with CHES in the business and to support Tree Planting Nigeria.