In Nigeria’s lush Emerald Forest Reserve in Osun State, Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, is dedicated to involving the community in the preservation of the local ecosystem amongst the towering native trees. For 23 years, Abayomi and his family have been dedicated to managing and rejuvenating the Emerald Forest. Abayomi, the Founder of the Global Emerging Pathogen Consortium and the Chief Executive Officer of Abayomi Farm Estate, leads this effort. The Osun state reserve covers more than 122 hectares of land. Surrounding areas are now barren due to urban growth, logging, and deforestation.
Despite this, the reserve remains a sanctuary for various bird species and wildlife thanks to ongoing conservation efforts that started over twenty years ago. Endangered species such as pangolins are among the wildlife present in the area. Abayomi described the Emerald Forest as a place where traditional farming methods are combined with environmental restoration to support sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the forest serves as a buffer against climate change by absorbing carbon emissions and involving the community in educational and economic opportunities.
Destruction of wildlife’s homes causes a noticeable effect on the environ.
Abayomi is a passionate advocate for the health of both humans and the environment, with expertise in Internal Medicine, Haematology, Biosecurity, and Bio-banking. He has a strong background in biosecurity and previously served as Chief Pathologist and Head of Haematology at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. The rapid disappearance of vast forests filled with native trees was causing a noticeable shift in the landscape’s topography. The destruction of wildlife’s homes causes a noticeable effect on the environment as habitats disappear quickly. Abayomi highlighted the link between caring for the environment and humans’ well-being.
Complementing his work as a doctor, he created a system in the forest that allows individuals to help restore habitats and protect a variety of species. Researchers and non-profit organizations, like the Wild Africa Fund (WAF), are drawn to the forest to support initiatives that protect the natural splendor and wildlife of Africa. The responsibility of the government is not limited to creating regulations to protect the natural environment but also ensuring that these rules are enforced to prevent illegal activities such as poaching, logging, and farming in these areas.
The forest preserves a variety of seeds under optimal conditions.
Tree cover across 25 million hectares has been lost, representing a 12% reduction since the year 2000. This loss has also resulted in the emission of 671 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Another key benefit is the ability to earn carbon credits, a growing trend in importance according to him. This provides individuals with income streams from various sources. Abayomi unveils the forest’s secret purpose as a seed bank, preserving a variety of seeds under optimal conditions. The plan is to transfer these seeds to a nursery where community members will learn about their importance and potential uses.
He observed that the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture is a significant research institution focusing on agricultural and environmental studies. Their awareness of the protected area was evident. Their goal is to prove, within a span of three years, that this location meets the criteria for recognition as a significant biodiversity and bird habitat. This designation would grant it heritage status within the sanctuary, ensuring its protection. The forest is known as the Emerald Forest due to the way the sunlight shines through the green leaves, creating a sparkling effect similar to emeralds in the sky.
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Visitors to the Emerald Forest are often surprised to see the impact of our long-standing preservation efforts on the environment’s once-deteriorated state. He explained how many animals have crowded into the Emerald Forest due to lack of space elsewhere. As a consequence, the forest is filled with various creatures such as birds, reptiles, cats, monkeys, and antelope, thriving among the lush vegetation and flowing waterways. Currently, the seeds from these trees are being distributed to the community or anyone interested, with the goal of gradually restoring the region to its natural form.
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