Egbe Iloke
As part of conscious effort towards sustainable environmental management, the Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has convened a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at reviewing and strengthening policies for Integrated Mangrove and Coastal Zone Management.
The workshop held at Naks Hotels, Calabar, brought together policymakers, environmental experts, the representatives from Federal, State and Local Government and civil society.
The primary objective was to critically assess existing Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) policies and legal frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities for better mangrove conservation and sustainable use.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Ministry of International Development Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata said Cross River State house the largest Nigeria’s remaining mangrove forests, which are vital for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of local communities. However, these ecosystems face mounting pressures from deforestation, pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, and urban expansion.
He said coastal protection is necessary against flooding and erosion, biodiversity conservation which serve as a nursery ground for fisheries that sustain the livelihood of of coastal communities.
According to him, mangroves are not only assets but lifeline for food security, income and resilience in the face of climate change pressure for fisheries and forest-dependent families.
He noted that the workshop is to develop a cohesive strategy for integrated Mangrove Management to ensure that mangrove protection is embedded within broader land-use plan and agricultural development policies with a key expected outcome of the formulation of a draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Action Plan for the State
He added that the plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap for balancing ecological conservation with economic development along the State’s extensive coastline.
The Commissioner further stated that legal gaps, institutional issues, implementation hurdles and pressure from unsustainable practices in the existing policies pose a serious threat
Dr. Lukpata charge the participants to bring their expertise to bear while expressing hope that with open dialogue, collaboration and shared vision in advancing sustainable development a secured future of coastal ecosystems can be built for the State.
Also speaking,, Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Dr. Oben Enche emphasized the State’s commitment for sustainable mangroves management. "Our mangroves are not just trees; they are life-support systems.
He expressed worries over mangroves loss through nypa palm invasion, depletion by coastal communities as source of fuel.
Dr E'tchi express gratitude to FAO towards restoring the State's Mangrove ecosystem already depleted with over 10,000 hectares reclaimed.
This collaborative effort with the FAO marks a pivotal step in translating the State's political will into actionable, legally sound policies that will protect these treasures for generations to come.
The FAO National Project Coordinator, represented by the Climate Change Specialist, Mrs Nifesimi Ogunkwa stated that to cushion the effects of overdependence on mangroves for fuel and other sustainable use, the organization has provided coastal communities with energy stoves, alternative livelihood support and restoration of degraded mangrove landscape.
She highlighted the strategic importance of the review workshop in about building a foundation for resilience.
Mrs Ogunkwa advance that integrating mangrove management into formal agricultural and forestry policies, we are investing in food security, climate action, and sustainable development simultaneously with Cross River State model as a benchmark for other coastal regions in Nigeria.
The review workshop was climaxed with technical presentations on Review of AFOLU policies, Laws and Legal apparatus: observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate alignment with global best practices for mangrove management, Cross River Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan; Observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate, Alignment of Climate Change National Social Protection: recommendations and group discussion.
With this policy overhaul it is believed that it will not only safeguard critical ecosystems but also foster a new era of blue and green economic growth for the State. Other highlights include presentation of different topics and was moderated by Dr Asuquo Okon, who was also part of the organizers of the event.
