…Kudos to Gov Biodun Oyebanji
By Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq
Tourism, a multifaceted industry, significantly contributes to the socio-economic growth of regions worldwide. It encompasses a variety of activities, including cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Among these, natural attractions often hold a special allure, drawing visitors with the promise of serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and immersive experiences in nature.
However, the development of tourism is incomplete without a critical component: forest enhancement.
Forests, often referred to as the lungs of the earth, play a pivotal role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.
They are not merely a backdrop for tourism activities but are integral to the health and appeal of any tourist destination.
Enhancing and preserving forests can yield numerous benefits for tourism development.
Firstly, forests serve as a major draw for ecotourism. Travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer authentic natural experiences.
Forests provide opportunities for activities such as hiking, bird watching, wildlife safaris, and camping.
These activities not only attract tourists but also promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
By enhancing forest areas, we can create more appealing and sustainable ecotourism products that cater to this growing market segment.
Secondly, forests contribute to the aesthetic value of tourist destinations. Scenic beauty, characterized by lush greenery, diverse flora, and fauna, enhances the overall visitor experience.
Well-preserved and enhanced forest areas can significantly boost the visual appeal of a state making it more attractive to tourists.
This, in turn, can lead to increased visitor numbers, longer stays, and higher tourist spending, all of which benefit local economies.
Moreover, forests play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, which poses a significant threat to tourism.
Climate change can alter weather patterns, disrupt ecosystems, and affect the availability of natural resources, all of which can negatively impact tourism.
By investing in forest enhancement, we can help sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the resilience of natural landscapes to climate change.
This not only protects the environment but also ensures the long-term sustainability of tourism destinations.
In the context of Ekiti State, Nigeria, where cultural tourism is in thriving, integrating forest enhancement into tourism development plans is particularly important.
Usi Day Cultural Tourism Carnival, for instance, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Usi Ekiti and attracts visitors from far and wide.
By enhancing nearby forest areas, we can offer a more comprehensive and attractive tourism package that combines cultural and natural experiences.
This holistic approach can help position Ekiti State as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.
To achieve this, a collaborative effort is required. Government agencies, local communities, and private sector stakeholders must work together to develop and implement forest enhancement strategies.
This includes activities such as reforestation, afforestation, sustainable forest management, and the establishment of protected areas.
Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of forests and promoting responsible tourism practices among visitors are essential steps in ensuring the success of these efforts.
It is on this note that I commend the Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his determined strides at prioritizing forests enhancement in Ekiti by his impregnable support for the Ekiti State Forest Commission .
Also, it is noteworthy to inform the world that the Ekiti State Forest Commission has designated 10 areas of compelling unique fauna and Flora as Ekiti State Forest Conservation Areas.
These 10 areas are being specifically groomed as ecotourism , heritage and cultural tourism centers which would be formally christened for appreciation and global patronage.
In conclusion, tourism development without forest enhancement is an incomplete process. Forests are indispensable to the attractiveness, sustainability, and resilience of tourism destinations.
By prioritizing forest enhancement, we can create richer, more diverse tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and local communities.
As we continue to develop and promote tourism in Ekiti State and beyond, let us not forget the vital role that forests play in this endeavor.
***Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq is the Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and a renowned tourism expert and advocate for sustainable tourism practices.
