A panel session moderated by Ken Henshaw featured discussions by Carlos Akpoi, Chris Nsan, Emmanuel Owen and a community leader.
By TheInvestigator
Stakeholders from government, civil society organisations, community groups and the environmental sector on Thursday gathered in Calabar for a multi-stakeholder conference to deliberate on the growing threats of deforestation, illegal mining and insecurity in Cross River State.
The one-day conference, organised by We The People, brought together policymakers, environmental experts and community leaders to examine the drivers of environmental degradation and chart practical strategies for sustainable forest management.
Welcoming the participants, Ken Henshaw, Director of We The People, who stressed the urgent need for collective action to protect Cross River’s remaining forests from the impacts of illegal mining and climate change.
He blamed State and non-state actors for deforestation and illegal mining. “This event was conceived as a way of bringing stakeholders together to discuss and systematically address the issues,” he revealed.
According to him, “No deliberate policies, taskforce members became enablers of deforestation and law enforcement agencies became compromised.”
Government officials, community leaders and heads of civil society organisations delivered solidarity messages, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the state’s natural resources.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Dr Martins Egot spoke on “Reforming the Cross River State Forestry Law: Policy Imperatives and Strategic Recommendations,” highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks and improved enforcement to curb forest loss and promote sustainable resource management.
Following a health break, Redzie Jugo Esq presented a paper titled “The Emerging Dynamics of Mining, Deforestation and Insecurity in Cross River State: Lessons from the Middle Belt of Nigeria,” where he examined the link between environmental crimes and rising security challenges.
Another presentation by Daryl Bosu focused on “Illegal Mining, Deforestation and Lessons from Ghana,” drawing comparisons with Ghana’s experiences and outlining policy measures that could help Nigeria address similar challenges.
A panel session moderated by Ken Henshaw featured discussions by Carlos Akpoi, Chris Nsan, Emmanuel Owen and a community leader. The panellists explored practical strategies, opportunities and lessons for tackling illegal mining and reducing deforestation through stronger community participation, improved governance and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Participants expressed optimism that the recommendations from the conference would contribute to policy reforms and coordinated action aimed at preserving the state’s rich forest ecosystem while addressing the environmental and security challenges associated with illegal mining.
