Iloke Egbe
The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata has again affirmed that Mangrove Ecosystems remain one of the most valuable natural assets Cross River State has comparative advantage in Nigeria.
He asserted this when he declared open a two day validation of the draft Mangrove Ecosystems Management plan, AFOLU policy analysis and the integrated coastal zone management plan workshop at April's Hotel, State Housing Estate Calabar.
That Mangrove provides livelihoods for the coastal communities, protects shorelines from erosion and flooding, supports biodiversity, and contributes significantly to climate resilience and sustainable economic development. However, increasing environmental pressures and human activities continue to threaten these vital ecosystems, making coordinated and sustainable management more urgent than ever.
According to him, the validation workshop represents a critical step in ensuring that this management plan reflects the collective aspirations, technical expertise, and practical realities of all stakeholders. It also demonstrates our shared commitment to environmental sustainability, community participation, and effective collaboration among Government institutions, Development Partners, and Local communities.
That the Ministry recognizes the importance of strategic partnerships in mobilizing technical and financial support for environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives. And pledge the commitment of the Ministry to fostering collaboration that will ensure the successful implementation of the plan for the benefit of the present and future generations.
The event brought representatives of Government Agencies, Traditional institutions, civil Society Organizations, members of the Academia, and esteemed participants and was sponsored by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.
Bearing her mind the coordinator, United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition UK-PACT, Dr Mrs Ogunkua Nifesime expressed satisfaction that the State is taking the right steps and building steadily on past efforts and appreciated the government of Cross River State for providing a conducive environment and the partnership. While Dr Okon Asuquo also expressed excitement that the State is on the right track as a leader in Africa in the sector.
The event featured paper presentations on different topics, planery on technical sessions, communique presentation and launch of some of their documented achievements and goodwill messages from Stakeholders.
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