By Samuel Oyadongha
Yenagoa—In a bid to curb the rising number of diabetic cases in Bayelsa State, the state government has intensified research on the efficacy of the miracle plant (Thaumatoccocus danielii), as a substitute for sugar and the need to encourage its planting.

This is coming, as Governor Timipre Sylva, stressed the need for full compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment on government projects by all companies and individuals.

Speaking at the 2010 World Environment Day celebration in Yenagoa, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Victoria Denenu,  said the Ministry is investigating the availability of the plant to serve as substitute for diabetic patients in the state.

The Commissioner said that apart from the planting of miracle tree, plans are on to survey Edumanon Game Reserve to determine the status of the chimpanzee and white throated monkey.

According to her, the Ministry in conjunction with Shell Petroleum Development Company is carrying out a Biodiversity Action plan for the Biodiversity Conservation of the Taylor Creek Forest Reserve.

Speaking in the same vein, Governor Sylva, while identifying threats to biodiversity enumerated habitat destruction, environmental pollution, erosion and land degradation among others.

The governor stressed the need for the constitution of the reserves, adding that it would be given priority in the state in subsequent budget.

He said, the resources of other sites of conservation interest identified in the state will also be studied and be given urgent consideration.