Full Length Research Paper
Legal and regulatory reforms of
forest resources conservation in
Edo South, Edo State, Nigeria
Eseigbe Joseph Omon1*
and Oni Mildred Ilobekemen2
Abstract
This paper examined the
legal and regulatory reforms
of forest resources
conservation in Edo South,
Edo State, Nigeria. This is
because most of the forest
reserves have been seriously
encroached in the area
without strong recourse to
the environmental
consequences. The objectives
for which this study was
carried out are: To identify
and assess forest resources
in the study area, examine
the relationship between law
and forest resources in Edo
South, Edo State laws on the
use of forest resources and
then determine deforestation
and its environmental
impacts. Data were therefore
collected from both the
primary and secondary
sources of data collection
to meet these objectives of
study. The result shows that
the laws enacted through
legislation to protect
forest resources are there
but a number of factors like
coordination problem, lack
of comprehensive policies on
environmental laws and
issues, inadequate legal
framework and lack of
implementation of the forest
Act of 1999 are some of the
major reasons why people
still encroach our forest
lands. Recommendations are
made on the need to update
forest laws and the
implementation carried out
by relevant agencies of
government to make sure that
those who go against the
laws are made to account for
their actions. There is the
need for forest monitoring
teams to apprehend tree
loggers for appropriate
sanctions. The communities
need to also be involved in
the control and management
of forest resources
depletion. There is need for
sustained management of
forests, intensified
reforestation and forest
concession owners should be
involved in forest
regeneration. There should
be equivalent replacement
for every tree removed from
the forest. Emphasis needs
to be put in finding
alternative sources of
energy and sustainable
farming practices adhered
to.
Key words: Identify,
Forest resources,
Environmental consequences.
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