Perception on the roles of avenue trees in the provision of environmental service functions in the premises of University of Benin campuses, Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the perception on the roles of avenue trees in the provision of environmental service functions in the premises of the  university of Benin (UNIBEN) Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses. Data for the assessment of perception and willingness of the members of  the University community to participate in urban tree projects were obtained using well-structured questionnaires administered to 484  respondents and the data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Tobit model was also used to evaluate public willingness to  finance avenue tree planting at both Campuses of the UNIBEN of all the benefits derivable from avenue trees for both Ugbowo and  Ekehuan campuses cooling the environment ranked highest with 51.8% and 51.2%. For both ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses 50.7% and  57.1% of the populace showed willingness to support green development. The study revealed that the benefits derivable from the trees in  order of preference are important for cooling of the environment, beautification and provision of shade e.t.c. This implies that with  increased tree planting in these premises, the environment becomes cleaner and pollution free. This must be taken serious as well as we  should bear these aforementioned services in mind and should therefore look for species that can optimally provide these services  without comprising the safety of the people and the totality of the work environment.