Iloke Egbe
The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata has affirmed that the State is blessed with one of Africa's largest and most ecologically important Mangrove ecosystems. That the Mangrove quietly performed extraordinary work by storing vast amounts of carbon several times more per hectare than many tropical forests.
He made the revelation while declaring open a workshop on sensitization and training for potential investors, commodity Associations, financial institutions and Government MDAs on economic opportunities in sustainable Mangrove ecosystems Management, held at NAKS Hotel, Marrian Road Calabar.
He reinforced the potential of Mangrove, stating that it protects the Coastlines from erosion and storm surges and supports biodiversity. They serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fisheries that sustain thousands of families across the Coastal communities.
In his words, for many years, we have seen them primarily as environmental assets, but increasingly, the world has recognized them as economic assets and when properly managed, Mangrove represents real and practical investment opportunities. They are central to the growing global focus on nature based solutions and the blue economy.
Citing some examples, he pointed out that ecotourism offers enormous potential, like canoe trails through the serene mangrove channels, birdwatching experiences, cultural tours, community led hospitality services which can generate jobs, create alternative incomes and at the same time deepen conservation awareness.
According to the commissioner, there is also growing interest in the carbon market and blue credits as Mangrove stores an exceptional amount of carbon which can attract climate finance through voluntary and emerging carbon markets. That it provides a partway where environmental protection translates directly into revenue for restoration, protection and community development.
He thanked the organizers of the workshop FAO UK-PACT for their support to the State through integrated management of Mangrove Ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependent products.
Earlier, the project coordinator United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition, (UK-PACT) Dr. Mrs. Nisifime Ogunkua that the workshop is to sensitize and train relevant actors on the potential and opportunities in the Mangrove Landscape which the State is the most blessed with wonderful endowment. And to further build and strengthen the capacities of players.
She informed that, beyond the environmental benefits provided by Mangrove ecosystems, there are countless economic opportunities in the sector.
Some of the topics presented were climate change Resilient Infrastructure Development and Nature-Based Solutions in Cross River State. Nature-Based Finance, Ecotourism, Blue Carbon and Inclusive Livelihood. Financing Window and Credit Facilities for Green and Climate-Resilient Investments.
Others include Scaling Nature-Based Livelihoods for Social Protection and Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Management.
Export Financing Opportunities in Ecotourism, Carbon Trade and Nature-Based Livelihoods. Structuring Bankable Public-private Partnerships for Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem and Blue Economy Investments and Carbon Market Development in Nigeria, Barriers, Risks and Opportunities in Carbon Trading.
Dignitaries in attendance were from the commercial Banks, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agric, the academia, traditional rulers, regulatory bodies, critical investors in the sector and members of relevant MDAs from Federal and State Government.
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