A Plant ecologist and researcher in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Richard Ita, has called for proper management of forests to tackle climate change issues in Nigeria.
While emphasising the critical role of both natural and planted ecosystems in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and regulating local climates, Ita said his research on carbon storage in the forests of Akwa Ibom State, co-authored by a team of experts, is the first to assess the carbon sequestration potential of both natural and plantation forests.
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Speaking on the contribution of these ecosystems to addressing climate change, he highlighted the superior carbon storage capacity of natural ecosystems, particularly forests, due to their biodiversity. He however, noted that plantation ecosystems also hold significant, though often untapped, potential.

He revealed that his findings have demonstrated how these forests can absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which is one of the main contributors to global warming. “As climate change accelerates, we are offering a powerful solution – by turning to the forests of Nigeria and how we think about forest management and climate change.

“My research on carbon storage in the forests of Akwa Ibom State, co-authored by a team of experts, is the first to comprehensively assess the carbon sequestration potential of both natural and plantation forests in Akwa Ibom State.”

Ita, who stated that for the first time, the carbon storage capacity of tropical forests in the state has been quantified, emphasised that the development has offered new hope for the future of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

He emphasised that his research on Global Imact, which was also co-authored was awarded the prestigious Tertiary Education Trust Fund Grant, which recognises the importance of advancing environmental science in Nigeria.

Discussing the motivation behind his research on carbon stocks and biomass apportionments in the state, he noted that the urgency to better understand the potential of both natural and plantation ecosystems was key.

“Akwa Ibom State, with its diverse ecosystems, provides a unique opportunity to explore how carbon is sequestered in different types of vegetation. This research not only contributes to global climate science but also offers practical insights for sustainable land management in the region,” Ita said.

He emphasised that conserving ecosystems is not just about protecting nature, but also a crucial strategy for combating climate change. He encouraged policymakers and individuals alike to recognise the value of ecosystems and take proactive steps to protect and enhance them.
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Ita further urged Nigerian policymakers to prioritise the restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems due to their high carbon sequestration potential.

“At the same time, urban planners should incorporate more green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, which also contribute to carbon storage,” he advised.

He said the Ministry of Environment has incorporated some of the findings of his study into a draft policy proposal aimed at enhancing reforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.

Ita averred that the policy could “affect over two million hectares of forestland in Nigeria, with plans to boost carbon sequestration by 10 per cent over the next decade.”

He noted that his research is influencing international efforts to combat climate change, disclosing that he has been invited by Net Zero Climate Investment in Turkey, to lend his expertise in developing carbon sequestration projects in mangrove ecosystems in Nigeria.

“This collaboration will create a pilot project aimed at restoring degraded mangrove forests, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 million tons over the next 20 years.
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