[6] Through the implementation of forestry ordinances,16 local communities were granted the freedom to hunt, fish, gather, tap rubber, and farm within designated areas.

[9] 6,15 The Nigerian lowland forests are bounded on the south by coastal mangroves and the Gulf of Guinea,[10] on the east by the Niger River and its delta,[11][12] on the north by the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic.

[18] The forests provide habitat for a rich variety of animals, such as primates (including the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee), elephants, leopards, antelopes, reptiles, amphibians, and a vast array of bird species.

[2] Nigerian lowland forests are not just lush, verdant landscapes teeming with biodiversity; they are also ecosystems that offer a wide range of services crucial for the environment and human well-being.

[citation needed] Lush forests act as enormous sponges, absorbing and releasing moisture, which, in turn, has a cooling effect on the environment.

[42] The park's forests, through their extensive tree cover, play a crucial role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and consequently aid in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

[62] The conversion of forested areas to farmland and the extraction of timber have resulted in habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to invasive species.

[65] The expansion of agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of cash crops like oil palm, cocoa, and rubber, has led to extensive clearing of forested areas.

[66] The unregulated extraction of timber leads to the loss of valuable tree species, alters forest structure, and disrupts ecosystem dynamics.

[70] Additionally, illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, and collection of rare plant species further endanger the biodiversity of the forests.

The growing demand for food and cash crops, coupled with population growth, has resulted in the clearing of forests for large-scale farming operations.

[74] Infrastructure development also facilitates access to previously remote areas, leading to increased deforestation and exploitation of forest resources.

Promoting literacy, giving people other livelihood options, including communities in conservation, assuring legal empowerment, and incorporating traditional knowledge are crucial tactics to help ameliorate these problems.

[85] The Nigerian government, along with international conservation organizations, has established protected areas and national parks to safeguard the biodiversity within these forests.

Local communities and indigenous groups are actively involved in conservation efforts, as their livelihoods and cultural heritage are intricately linked to the forests.

[87][88] Conservation efforts in Nigerian lowland forests are crucial to protecting their biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of local communities.

They provide legal protection to key forest habitats, restrict unsustainable activities, and support research and monitoring programs.

These efforts focus on empowering communities, supporting sustainable livelihood alternatives, promoting traditional knowledge, and involving locals in forest management and decision-making processes.

[91][92] Afforestation programs, such as planting of indigenous tree species, are undertaken to increase forest cover and connectivity, enhancing habitat availability for wildlife.

[96] Promoting organic farming, responsible logging practices, and reducing reliance on harmful agrochemicals are also part of sustainable land-use approaches.

[107] It requires cooperation among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and local communities to ensure compliance and deter illegal activities.

By equipping these communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to pursue alternative livelihoods, we not only empower them economically but also actively mitigate the overexploitation of our precious forests.

[56] These communities can diversify their revenue streams by providing training and assistance for alternative vocations including farming, handicrafts, ecotourism, or small-scale businesses.

[citation needed] Research studies are conducted in the Nigerian lowland forests to better understand the ecological processes, identify species richness, and assess the impacts of human activities.