BAYELSA COMMUNITIES RAISE ALARM OVER DEPLETION OF EDUMANOM FOREST RESERVE

Residents of communities surrounding the Edumanom Forest Reserve in Bayelsa State have raised concerns over increasing deforestation, wildlife depletion and inadequate government protection, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard the forest and improve their livelihoods.

The community leaders and residents made the call on Thursday during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) at Opume community in Ogbia Local Government Area, as part of efforts to accelerate nature conservation and climate action in support of Nigeria’s net-zero emissions and 30-by-30 targets.

The Paramount Ruler of Ogbema community in Nembe, His Royal Highness Douglas Onungu, said the absence of signposts and visible protective measures had exposed the forest to indiscriminate exploitation, including illegal hunting and other activities that threaten its biodiversity.

He urged the Bayelsa and Federal Governments to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting the reserve, while encouraging residents, particularly young people, to preserve the forest for future generations.
A resident of Edumanom community, Kilete Sussan, lamented the decline in wildlife and fish stocks, attributing the situation to environmental degradation and pollution. She appealed to the government and development organisations to support women with funding and other resources to strengthen farming, fishing and small-scale businesses, while introducing community-based rules to prevent further destruction of the forest.

Similarly, Benson Gilbert from Idema community in Ogbia Local Government Area called for sustained environmental education, improved road access and the provision of basic amenities, including healthcare, potable water and electricity.

He urged the government to work with host communities to ensure that conservation efforts protect biodiversity without neglecting the welfare of residents.

HOMEF’s Programme Manager for Fossil Politics, Cadmus Atake-Enade, said the engagement was aimed at securing community participation in conserving the forest and preparing it for development to national park standards.

He explained that the wider project also included forest restoration, livelihood and skills development, as well as community energy solutions. Atake-Enade added that concerns raised during the meeting would be documented and presented to relevant stakeholders to guide subsequent interventions.

Reported by Bright Okpo