They called for the protection of forests in the state because “it is still among the IUCN 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots in the world and should be protected.”
By Archibong Jeremiah
Stakeholders in the forestry sector have thanked the current administration in Cross River State led by Sen. Bassey Edet Otu for lifting the ban on logging, stating that it will pave the way for the Forestry Commission to effectively manage the forest.
The commendation was part of a communique issued from a one-day stakeholders’ workshop organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently at Adsuit Hotel Calabar, the state capital.
The objective of the workshop which was attended by representatives from the Cross River State Government, Cross National Park, NGOs, communities, academia, and the media was to discuss issues on deforestation around forest host communities within Cross River National Park.
The theme is “Crisis of Forest Loss and Threats to Rural Economy in Cross River State”.
In the 11-point communique, the stakeholders “Unanimously acknowledge that Cross River State forests have massively been depleted leading to the loss of biodiversity and that illegal logging is still ongoing.”
They called for the protection of the forests in the state because “it is still among the IUCN 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots in the world and should be protected.”
As a way of increasing revenue and utilizing natural resources they called for increased ecotourism, stating that “it is good a business for forest host communities that anybody can embark upon and as such it should be adopted.”
More resolutions at the 1-day meeting are “Illegal mining of solid minerals is still ongoing in the State and the legal miners do not observe international best practice which portends serious danger to host communities and the state in general.
“There is a need to continually organize multi-stakeholder engagement to chart a way forward to holistically address deforestation in Cross River State. Forest regulatory policy which is being expected soon will help in addressing deforestation when properly implemented.”
They called on the “Cross River State government to encourage private forest investors/developers who will regenerate the lost forest with different tree species that would be sustainably managed.
“The Cross River State Government should provide incentives to host forest communities that will motivate them for effective conservation of the forest to enable communities to take ownership in protecting their forest resources.
“And strengthened partnership between communities, the government, NGOs, Private, academia and development partners for effective conservation of the forest.”
The communique was signed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Cross River National Park, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, New Ekuri Community, Old Ekuri Community, and Owai Community.
Others are Efumkpa Community, Iko-Esai Community, Iko-Ekperem Community, Agoi Ibami, Agoi Ekpo, and Ifumkpa Community.
Earlier, Hon. George O’Ben Etchi, Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, and Hon. Abubakar Ewa, Commissioner for Tourism pledged to support forest communities to become drivers of issues concerning them.
Speaking separately, they called for all hands to be on deck to support the current administration in delivering on its forest and tourism policy.
Also, the Director General of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, represented by Alhaji Mohammed Garba said their interest is in protecting the forest, and its ecosystems.