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. Ita, who spoke with South-South PUNCH correspondent in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, 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. He disclosed 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. He said, “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.” Dr Ita who stated that for the first time, the carbon storage capacity of tropical forests in Akwa Ibom State, has been quantified, emphasized that the development has offered new hope for the future of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. He emphasized that his research on Global Impact, which was also co-authored was awarded the prestigious Tertiary Education Trust Fund Grant, which recognizes the importance of advancing environmental science in Nigeria. He said the Ministry of Environment has incorporated some of the findings of this 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. He added, “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.