Ngwo Pine forest

The Ngwo Pine Forest is a pine forest near the center of Enugu, Nigeria. Within the forest, there is a limestone cave with a small waterfall, forming a shallow pool. The Ngwo Pine Forest is used as a recreational area, supporting the socio-economic development of Enugu State, Nigeria.

History
The Ngwo Pine Forest Formation (NPFF) is a patch of montane rainforest and cloud forest on the Ngwo Hills in southeast Nigeria. It is the southernmost extent of the Afromontane Forest ecoregion and is one of the most diverse forests in Africa.

In the early 20th century, the British colonial government established a forest reserve in the NPFF. This reserve was intended to provide protection from deforestation and to ensure a sustainable supply of timber. This reserve was not very effective at preventing deforestation, with the NPFF having lost a significant amount of forest cover over the last 50 years to agricultural expansion, logging, and mining.

Today, the NPFF is still a relatively intact forest, but is under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, climate change, and invasive species.

The Ngwo Pine Forest has purposes such as hosting pilgrimages and educational activities. It also bolsters the tourism industry in Enugu State.

Climate
Ngwo Pine Forest has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, categorized as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Situated near the equator, the region encounters difficulty in defining its summers due to consistent warmth throughout the year. The annual average temperature hovers around 25.9 °C (78.6 °F), maintaining a relatively warm and consistent climate.

There is notable seasonal variation in precipitation patterns, with summers being considerably rainier than winters. On an annual basis, Ngwo Pine Forest records a total precipitation of 1719 mm (67.7 inches). The month of January stands out as the driest, witnessing a mere 9 mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall. In contrast, September is the wettest month, experiencing an average precipitation of 270 mm (10.6 inches).

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year range from a maximum of 34.5 °C (94 °F) in February to a minimum of 23.9 °C (75 °F) in August. This temperature variability is relatively modest, with an annual range of 4.5 °C (8.0 °F).

Relative humidity follows a seasonal trend, with September having the highest humidity at 85.21%, while January records the lowest at 41.09%. July emerges as the month with the rainiest days, totaling 27.27 days, whereas December experiences the fewest rainy days, averaging only 1.53 days.

The Forest Reserve's sunshine hours contribute to the overall climate experience. January enjoys the most daily hours of sunshine, with an average of 8.79 hours, totaling 272.59 hours for the month. In contrast, September experiences the lowest daily sunshine hours, averaging around 4.4 hours per day and accumulating 132.13 sunshine hours throughout the entire month. Annually, Ngwo Forest Reserve basks in an average of 2184.58 hours of sunshine, translating to approximately 71.93 hours per month.

Economic activities
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economic sustenance of the forest area. The land surrounding the forest is often utilized for agricultural purposes. Local communities undertake cultivation, with a focus on crops like pineapples and other fruits. These agricultural activities serve as a means of livelihood for the residents.

Forestry also features prominently in the economic landscape of the Ngwo Pine Forest. Sustainable forest management practices are implemented, including timber harvesting, collection of non-timber forest products, and reforestation efforts. These practices aim to strike a balance between economic needs and environmental conservation.

Furthermore, the local artisan community engages in the creation and sale of handcrafted products, utilizing materials sourced from the forest. This might encompass wood carvings and traditional handicrafts, thereby contributing to the local economy.

In addition to these activities, some residents participate in small-scale livestock farming, rearing animals such as goats, poultry, or cows as part of their economic pursuits.

Ngwo Cave and Waterfall
Ngwo Cave and Waterfall is a natural attraction located in the Ngwo Pine Forest in Enugu State, Nigeria. The cave is formed from limestone and has a waterfall flowing from an opening in its roof. The waterfall forms a shallow pool on the cave floor and flows out as a small stream.

It is a popular tourist destination for both Nigerians and international visitors. It also has cultural significance for the Igbo people of Nigeria. The cave is seen as a sacred place and is home to a number of important cultural sites, including shrines and burial sites.

There are a number of threats to Ngwo Cave and Waterfall, including deforestation, pollution, and overtourism.