Laws should be made and implemented. The laws should specify the perimeters of the forest reserves and state clearly sanctions for defaulters. Education of citizens should be a priority because people eed to understand the consequences of their actions on their immediate environment. The more aware people are the more they are likely to protect the forest.
Figure out a way to have people be involved even if it is small duty. There is an "out of sight, out of mind" obstacle with protecting natural areas; by getting people involved and outside, it becomes much easier for them to want to protect and conserve those areas.
Ahmed Abubakar creating awareness among community dwellers is one big way to protect forest and green areas from deforestation in local communities.
