Sustainable forest management for environmental wholesomeness, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

Tropical forest has received increasing attention from global community in recent years due to high rate of deforestation and associated  environmental challenges. Globally, efforts being made towards tackling environmental challenges are being frustrated leading to high  rate of forest and biodiversity loss. This paper aimed at highlighting sustainable forest management for environmental wholesomeness,  biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the highest rate of deforestation of primary forests  recorded 55.7% between 2000 and 2005 with 58 (10.4%) of the tree species as endangered, in spite of the establishment of forest reserves, protected areas and associated conservation and environment laws. It has been reported that if the current trend of  unsustainable forest management persists, it could step out of the limits of environmental wholesomeness and thus generating  irreversible processes due to the top-bottom management structure (TBMS) of forest management. Hence, governance should be  considered the best approach to sustainable forest management and conservation through improved public enlightenment and  awareness in Nigeria.