Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that efforts will be strengthened to implement extant policies on tree planting and greening in the nation’s capital.
The administration therefore called on residents of the FCT, especially estate developers to make sure that provisions are made for tree planting and that green areas are given priority as they develop lands allocated to them.
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The permanent secretary of FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola made this known at an event organised by the Department of Parks and Recreation to commemorate this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, with the theme: “Her Land, Her Rights.”
Adesola said that the administration also recognises the importance of tree planting in the battle against desertification and drought and has each year marked June 17, by drawing attention to the activity.
“The FCTA remains committed to the implementation of the 2019 FCT Park Policy, Section 1.1.5 which states that the Abuja Master Plan and Land Use Plan predicated the Green/Garden City concept for the FCT and made provision of about 33 percent land for Parks, Green Areas and Open Spaces.
“I am truly delighted to be here today as we come together to commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a momentous occasion that calls for our collective commitment to addressing the challenges of land degradation and the growing threat of drought.
“This day, June 17, was proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution on January 30, 1995, when the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought was drafted. The Day has been set aside to raise awareness on the prevalence of desertification and drought, highlighting methods of preventing desertification and recovering from drought.
“It is worthy of note that desertification and drought are associated with challenges such as reduced global food production, increase in hunger, disease, and malnutrition that has led to global conflicts and crisis,” he said.