We Need to Act Now to Protect Our Forests!

During the congress, Ngozi Edum, from the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA), expressed urgent concerns about the rapid disappearance of forests and emphasized the necessity for immediate action to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

“The concern that we have for the forest is that our forest is disappearing at an alarming rate,” Edum stated. “We feel that if we don’t do anything urgent, we will lose that opportunity to protect our forest.”

Edum highlighted IFSA’s mission to integrate youth across all forest sectors, including policy, industry, and research. “In my work, I represent IFSA, which is about integrating youth across all forest sectors,” she explained. “Our vision is to equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to engage in research, policy, and innovation.”

Emphasizing the transition from a fossil-based economy to a greener one, Edum noted the critical importance of providing young people with the necessary skills. “It’s crucial that young people are equipped with the skills needed for green jobs as we move towards a greener economy,” she said.

To achieve this, IFSA offers various training programs and webinars designed to prepare youth for future challenges in forestry and environmental stewardship. “We provide training and webinars to give young people the skills they need for green jobs and the future of forests,” Edum elaborated. “It’s crucial that we pass these opportunities to young people so they can continue the stewardship of protecting the forest.”

Edum stressed the importance of immediate action, not just for productive forestry but also for combating climate change. “It’s important that we act now,” she urged. “Forests play a vital role in climate change, and young people are showing a lot of enthusiasm for this cause.”

Through IFSA’s initiatives, the organization aims to foster a new generation of forestry leaders dedicated to preserving and protecting forests worldwide. “We hope that through IFSA, we will see more young people engaged in forest stewardship,” Edum concluded.