The workshop was designed to strengthen collaboration among Eco Guards, the National Park Service, and the Forestry Commission.
By TheInvestigator
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management and biodiversity protection with the successful hosting of a one-day workshop on Forest Monitoring, Patrol and Data Gathering for Eco Guards. The training took place at Obassi Hotel in Akamkpa Local Government Area and drew participants from the Cross River National Park, Forestry Commission, and surrounding forest communities.
The workshop was designed to strengthen collaboration among Eco Guards, the National Park Service, and the Forestry Commission. Mr Joshua Dazi, NCF Project Development Officer in his opening remarks, emphasised the workshop’s goal of building synergy among key stakeholders, improving the effectiveness of patrols, and enhancing information gathering and reporting practices by Eco Guards.
Delivering the opening address, Conservator of Parks (CP) Joseph Asam Ntui of Cross River National Park expressed gratitude to the NCF for organising the workshop and praised the Eco Guards as “the heartbeat of the conservation mission.” He stressed the importance of modernising forest patrols using technology such as drones and GPS, and called for sustained partnerships to bridge data gaps that hinder effective forest policy implementation.
Also speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Mr Ikana Bassey commended the NCF for the training initiative. He reminded Eco Guards of their role as reporters—not enforcers—due to their lack of legal authority and encouraged them to adopt watershed management practices for ecosystem sustainability.
Key Lectures Highlight Surveillance And Practical Patrol Techniques
In the first lecture, Mr Enyam Benjamin Edim, a forest monitoring expert, provided an in-depth overview of surveillance methods including transect and sign surveys, drone usage, GIS mapping, and community engagement. He emphasised that forest monitoring helps detect threats like illegal logging, aids wildlife protection, and informs data-driven decision-making. He also cited national and international legal frameworks such as the EU Timber Regulation and the Forest Stewardship Council as essential to achieving transparency, sustainable forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
The second lecture, delivered by CP Assam Ntui, focused on the principles and procedures of effective forest patrols. He outlined practical strategies, including pre-briefing, area mapping, use of GPS, and safety protocols such as team coordination, first aid, and smart technology deployment. According to him, Eco Guards should document key evidence like animal tracks, footprints, tree stumps, and spent cartridges, and promptly report such data to the appropriate authorities.
Robust Discussions And Key Recommendations Emerge
Participants actively engaged during the comment and question session, raising critical concerns and recommendations:
- Stronger collaboration with forest communities and government bodies was urged to safeguard remaining forest areas.
- Clarification was made that logging is strictly prohibited within National Park boundaries.
- Participants appealed for patrol essentials like camp mats and health kits.
- The rising incidence of farming by buffer communities within the park was flagged for immediate intervention.
- There was a call for emergency patrol funding and equipment to reduce dependence on NCF after the Iko Esai project ended.
- Challenges around identifying illegally sawn wood and threats to Eco Guards’ safety were also raised, prompting calls for clearer community conservation zones and better protective protocols.
Mr Emmanuel Owan, Head of Technical at NCF Calabar Office, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their participation despite the short notice. He emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between Eco Guards, the National Park, and the Forestry Commission in protecting the Cross River forest landscape.
The workshop closed with a prayer by Miss Kokoma Onyo, an Eco Guard, marking the end of a productive and insightful engagement on strengthening forest protection efforts in Cross River State.
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