UK- PACT, FAO launch project to protect mangroves in Cross River

THE United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition ( UK- PACT) and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation ( FAO) have commenced a project to protect the mangrove ecosystem in Cross River State from pollution and deforestation.

The project – Integrated Management of Mangrove Ecosystem and Expansion of Social Protection for Fisheries and Forest Dependents in Cross River State, is aimed at strengthening enabling policies in mangrove management and the promotion of alternative livelihoods for the empowerment of the fisheries and forest dependent communities. During the launch of the project in Abuja, the FAO Country Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Koffy Dominique, underscored the significance of mangroves in providing habitats for biodiversity, and as a fundamental resource for the livelihoods of forest- dependent communities.

He mentioned that the aim of the initiative is to strike a balance between conservation and sustainable use of the mangrove ecosystem, amid increasing threats from deforestation, firewood and timber collection, and the misuse of pesticides.

Dominique mentioned that the project is focused on communities reliant on fisheries and forest resources within the mangrove ecosystem and advocated for a holistic and integrated management approaches to ensure not only the preservation of the environment, but also the well- being of the population dependent on it.

He said: “The initiative seeks to empower these communities, providing them with the means to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.”

The Climate Change and Nature Team Lead for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO), British High Commission, Abuja, Martine Sobey, revealed that they have been supporting the programme for the past six months, working with communities, the Cross Rivers State government, and the local council authorities as well.

She said: “For us, it is about protecting the loss of mangroves from pollution over harvesting for few woods, and helping communities who depend on those mangroves for fish, for their livelihoods and finding a sustainable way for communities to live and protect mangroves in the long term.”

The Director General, National Council on Climate Change ( NCCC), Dr Salisu Dahiru, in his remarks said Nigeria has made significant progress since its signing and ratification of the Paris Agreement, as well as the declaration of its net zero commitment at COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland.

He said the UK- PACT and FAO project aligns with one of the major mitigation options of the updated Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC) and also sustainable development goals, contributes to climate adaptation and fosters community wellbeing.

Dahiru said the project would further help in deepening research, adaptive management practices and collaboration among stakeholders.