THEME: "HEALTH AND RESILIENT FOR A BUYANT NIGERIAN ECONOMY"

Sub-themes

1. Strategies For Sustainable Natural Forest Management for Non-Timber Products of Socio-Economic Values and Conservation of Biodiversity Wealth: Nigerian Rainforest in Focus
2. Forest Policy, Governance, and Legal Frameworks for Resilience and Growth in Nigeria
3. Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services in Forest Landscapes
4. Indigenous Knowledge and Forest Reconstruction
5. Innovations in Forest Products and Value-Chain Development
6. Technological Advancements to Promote Healthy and Resilient Forest Ecosystems
7. Blue-Green Economy: Harnessing Wildlife and Fisheries for National Development
8. Linkages Between Healthy Forests, Ecotourism and Human Well-being

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 9TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE (HYBRID) OF FORESTS AND FOREST PRODUCTS SOCIETY

Theme: Healthy and Resilient Forests for A Buoyant Nigerian Economy
Date: October 21 - 24, 2025
Venue: Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Akure, Ondo State

Preamble

The Forests and Forest Products Society (FFPS) held its 9th Biennial Conference (Hybrid) at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, from 21st to 24th October 2025, with the theme “Healthy and Resilient Forests for a Buoyant Nigerian Economy.” The conference attracted participants from Universities, Research Institutes, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Private organizations, Non-Governmental bodies, and international partners. It featured plenary and technical sessions, exhibitions, and panel discussions.

Addresses were presented by the President of the Society, Prof. S.O. Akindele, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. S.B. Adeyemo and the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Mrs. Adenike T. Oladiji. In addition, goodwill messages were received from Armanda Wood Industry, Rex Forestry Limited, and the representative of the Governor of Ondo State. The keynote address was delivered virtually by Prof. Timo Tokola, a Professor of Forest Information Systems, School of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.

The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including academics, researchers, ministry, industry leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations and students, participating both physically and virtually. Recognizing the critical role of forestry in sustaining buoyant economic growth, and maintaining ecological balance, especially in the face of climate change and environmental degradation, the conference provided a vital platform for interdisciplinary discourse, knowledge exchange, and the formulation of actionable strategies.

Observations and Deliberations:

A total of 72 research papers were presented (online and physical) and discussed during the conference, spanning a wide array of eight (8) critical sub-themes. Participants engaged in robust discussions, identifying both the immense potential and the significant challenges facing the forest resources in Nigeria. Lead papers were presented under the following sub themes:

• Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Change Mitigation in Nigeria (Prof. Olajide Opeyemi)
• Forest Policy, Governance and Legal Frameworks for Resilience and Growth (Prof. C. A. Adetogun)
• Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services in Forest Landscapes (Mr Tunde Morakinyo)
• Indigenous Knowledge and Forest Reconstruction (Mrs. Soorya S) 931
• Innovations in Forest Products and Value Chain Development (Prof. A.O. Omole)
• Technological Advancements to Promote Healthy and Resilient Forest Ecosystems (Prof. P. O. Adesoye)
• Blue-Green Economy: Harnessing Wildlife and Fisheries for National Development (Prof. Adetola Jenyo-Oni)
• Linkages between Healthy Forests, Ecotourism and Human Wellbeing (Prof. Adejoke O. Akinyele)

Consequently, several key observations emerged:

1. There is the need to manage our forests sustainably through strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting reforestation, and integrating local communities in forest governance.
2. There is the need for robust forest policies and governance mechanisms which are fundamental for restoring degraded ecosystems and driving sustainable forest-based economic development.
3. We observed the need to strengthen mechanisms for forest protected areas, promote ecological restoration, and integrate conservation into land-use planning to achieve biodiversity conservation within forest landscapes.
4. We observed that local communities possess valuable insights on native species selection, seasonal planting, and natural regeneration techniques. This indigenous knowledge should be integrated with scientific approaches to enhance forest restoration.
5. We noted advancements in processing technologies, non-timber forest products utilization, and eco-friendly materials which add value, while reducing waste and pressure on natural forests.
6. We observed that overexploitation of forest resources, habitat loss, and weak regulatory enforcement threaten sustainability. However, harnessing forest products and aquaculture resources through eco-friendly practices can enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods in Nigeria.
7. We observed that the synergy between conservation and healthy forest ecosystem enhances human wellbeing through economic empowerment, stress reduction, and strengthened community stewardship for sustainable forest management and resilience. 

Recommendations

In the light of these observations, the conference recommends the following: 

1.  Governments at all levels should strengthen forest governance frameworks, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure strict enforcement of forest laws.
2. Urgent measures should be taken to promote reforestation, afforestation, and forest landscape restoration using indigenous and climate-resilient species.
3. Sustainable financing mechanisms such as carbon credit markets, green bonds, and public-private partnerships should be developed to support forest restoration and management.
4. Research and development on forest health, carbon sequestration, and sustainable utilization of forest products should be prioritized and funded.
5. Capacity building for forest-dependent communities, particularly women and youth, should be intensified to foster inclusive and participatory forest management.
6. Forest-based enterprises and ecotourism should be promoted as viable contributors to Nigeria’s economic diversification and rural development.
7. The Federal and State Governments should integrate forest ecosystem services into national development, climate action, and poverty reduction strategies.
8. Collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry should be strengthened to ensure that scientific research informs policy and management decisions.
9. The FFPS reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable forest management, professional ethics, and evidence-based policy advocacy.

Call to Action:

To secure Nigeria’s forest and environmental future, urgent, coordinated action is needed across all sectors. Government, academia, private stakeholders, and local communities must strengthen sustainable forest management, enforce effective policies, and integrate indigenous knowledge with modern technology. Investment in innovation, research, and value chain development should be prioritized to promote eco-friendly livelihoods. Collaborative efforts toward biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the Blue-Green Economy are imperative to build healthy, resilient ecosystems that sustain human wellbeing and national development.

Conclusion

The conference participants expressed appreciation to Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, for hosting the event, and to all sponsors, partners, and delegates for their contributions to its success. It was resolved that all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure Nigeria’s forests remain healthy, resilient, and productive for a buoyant economy and a sustainable future.

Professor Shadrach O. Akindele
President, Forests and Forest Products Society (FFPS)
October 24, 2025
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.