Okomu Forest Reserve

The Okomu Forest Reserve is a forest block covering an area of 1081 km$2$ in Edo State, about 50 km west of Benin City, Nigeria. The Okomu National Park lies within the larger reserve, maintaining a small part of the forests that once covered the region as the last habitat for many endangered species.

History
The Okomu Forest Reserve was originally established by the British colonial government in 1912. In 1935, additional 411 sq km were added to the north and east, bringing the total area to 777 sq km. The reserve was intended to be managed as a source of lumber from the start, and its abundant mahogany stands have been exploited. The reserve has been actively engaged in systematic rotational logging and "taungya" farming since the 1940s. A section of forest is assigned to local farmers to be cut and farmed, then reforested with valuable tree species in this forest management scheme.

By 1984, huge swaths of the Okomu Forest Reserve had been converted to oil palm and rubber plantations, some officially, others illegally or with no oversight.

Climate
Okomu Forest Reserve is located in a tropical climate zone with a Köppen-Geiger classification of Am. This means that it experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 25.7 °C (78.3 °F). The high humidity and warm temperatures make it challenging to distinctly categorize seasons.

The most favorable times to visit the forest reserve are from January to December, with January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December considered ideal. The short dry season has a minimal impact on the overall climate, emphasizing the consistent tropical conditions.

Temperature variations play a key role in the forest reserve's climate. February sees the highest average temperature at around 27.5 °C (81.4 °F), while August experiences the lowest at 24.1 °C (75.4 °F). The annual temperature range is relatively narrow, with an average difference of 3.3 °C (6.0 °F).

Rainfall distribution is noteworthy, with the least precipitation occurring in December (31 mm | 1.2 inch) and the most in September (304 mm | 12.0 inch). The variation in precipitation between the driest and wettest months is substantial at 273 mm (11 inch).

Relative humidity levels also contribute to the overall climate profile. June exhibits the highest humidity at 90.91%, emphasizing the city's tropical nature. Conversely, January experiences significantly lower relative humidity at 67.32%.

Okomu Forest Reserve's sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with January witnessing the highest number of daily hours of sunshine, averaging 7.46 hours per day and totaling 231.2 hours for the month. In contrast, December also experiences the lowest daily sunshine hours, averaging 3.82 hours per day and totaling 118.36 hours.

The wettest month in the forest reserve is July, with 28.30 rainy days, while December is the driest with 8.73 rainy days. The annual count of sunlight hours reaches approximately 1984.27, with an average of 65.3 hours per month.

Conservation
The Okomu Forest Reserve is one of Nigeria's most important conservation areas. The park was established in order to protect the region's natural ecosystem and biodiversity. Located within its boundaries, the area is a protected area to protect the unique flora and fauna found there.

Efforts are carried out through a combination of strategies and initiatives:


 * 1) Protected Area Status: The most fundamental aspect of conservation at the Okomu Forest Reserve is its status as a protected area. This designation offers legal protection against activities like illegal logging, poaching, and habitat destruction. The Nigerian government, along with local and international organizations, works to enforce these protections.
 * 2) Habitat Restoration: Part of the conservation efforts involves habitat restoration within the reserve. This includes reforestation and afforestation initiatives to rehabilitate areas that have been degraded due to logging or other human activities. Restoring the forest's structure and composition helps recreate critical habitats for various species.
 * 3) Anti-Poaching Measures: Poaching is a significant threat to the wildlife in the reserve, particularly for species like the forest elephant and various primates. Conservation organizations and government agencies implement anti-poaching measures, including patrols, the establishment of ranger stations, and community-based monitoring to deter poachers and protect vulnerable species.
 * 4) Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts is essential. Collaborative initiatives include community-based conservation programs that provide economic alternatives to unsustainable activities. These programs help reduce the reliance on forest resources and enhance the local population's awareness of conservation goals.
 * 5) Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research and monitoring of the reserve's biodiversity are crucial for understanding the ecosystem's health and identifying potential threats. This data informs conservation decisions and helps to adapt strategies to protect specific species and habitats.
 * 6) Sustainable Resource Management: Sustainable resource management within the reserve is promoted to ensure that activities like logging and non-timber forest product collection do not harm the ecosystem's long-term health. Strict guidelines are put in place to minimize the environmental impact while still providing economic opportunities for the local communities.
 * 7) Environmental Education and Awareness: Conservation organizations and government agencies conduct environmental education programs for both local communities and visitors. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of the reserve and promote responsible behavior within the forest.

Environment and Climate
The Okomu Forest Reserve is maintained to help address the effect of climate change and create a sustainable environment by protecting nature and planting of trees to support the environment and conserve fauna and flora.

Importance
The Okomu Forest Reserve is a significant natural resource with profound economic, cultural, and social importance to both the local communities and the broader region.

Economic Importance

 * 1) Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Okomu Forest Reserve is home to a rich and diverse array of plant and animal species. This biodiversity has several economic benefits, including ecotourism and pharmaceutical potential. Many endemic and endangered species exist here, making it a valuable source of genetic diversity.
 * 2) Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products: The forest is a source of timber for the local timber industry, providing hardwoods like mahogany, teak, and ebony. Additionally, it yields various non-timber forest products such as bush mango, wild yams, and medicinal plants that contribute to local livelihoods and trade.
 * 3) Rubber Plantations: The Okomu Oil Palm Company, a subsidiary of the Belgian company SOCFIN, operates a rubber plantation within the reserve. Rubber production contributes significantly to the national and local economies.
 * 4) Job Opportunities: The various economic activities within and around the reserve, including ecotourism, logging, and rubber production, create employment opportunities for the local population, reducing unemployment and improving living standards.

Cultural Importance

 * 1) Traditional Beliefs and Practices: The forest holds immense cultural significance for the indigenous communities such as the Ijaw, Edo, and other ethnic groups. It is often regarded as a sacred place, and many traditional beliefs and practices are closely tied to the forest. Cultural events, rituals, and ceremonies are often held in the forest, and the spiritual connection between the people and the forest is strong.
 * 2) Medicinal and Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous communities rely on the forest for traditional medicine, food, and building materials. The knowledge of the forest's resources and their uses has been passed down through generations and forms an integral part of the local culture.
 * 3) Cultural Identity: The forest also plays a role in preserving the cultural identity of the local communities. The traditions and customs associated with the forest help maintain a sense of identity and continuity among the indigenous people.

Social Importance

 * 1) Livelihoods: Many local communities depend on the Okomu Forest Reserve for their livelihoods. This includes hunting, fishing, farming, and the collection of non-timber forest products. The economic activities derived from the forest contribute to poverty reduction and community development.
 * 2) Sustainable Resource Management: The forest reserve is managed sustainably, ensuring that resources are not over-exploited and that the communities can continue to benefit from them in the long term. This sustainable management helps maintain the ecological balance of the region.
 * 3) Tourism and Education: Okomu Forest Reserve attracts tourists and researchers interested in its biodiversity. The revenue generated from ecotourism activities helps improve local infrastructure and provides funds for conservation efforts. Additionally, it serves as an educational resource for schools and universities, creating awareness about the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

How to get to Okomu Forest Reserve
Okomu Forest Reserve is closest to Benin Airport, but it is not an international airport. So, international visitors typically fly to Lagos International Airport first.

To get from Benin City Airport to Okomu Forest Reserve, you will need to travel approximately 20 kilometers for 59 minutes. Start by heading southeast on Airport Road and continuing onto Ore Oghene Road/Siluko Road. Continue on this road until you reach Okokpon-Iguoriakhi-Evbodia Road. After about 10.3 kilometers and 22 minutes, you will arrive at Ovah Road. Turn onto Ovah Road and continue towards Okomu Forest Reserve. The road will extend for about 9.8 kilometers, requiring an additional 30 minutes of travel time. Follow the route until you reach your destination within the Okomu Forest Reserve.

In other words, you can fly to Benin City Airport and then drive to Okomu Forest Reserve. The drive takes about 59 minutes.