Government News Source|14 March 2020
The Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade, yesterday officially launched the European Union (EU) project for the preservation of Forest Ecosystem in the State, which is to be implemented by the wildlife conservation society in collaboration with the Nigeria National Park Service and Cross River State Government.
Sir Ben Ayade who was represented by His Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, expressed his gratitude to the EU for their support whilst positing on the State Government’s readiness to put in place all the modalities necessary for the successful implementation of this timely project.
In her remarks, the State Commissioner for International Development and Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the project will enhance the protection of the National park and strengthen social livelihood activities, whilst a trickledown of fringe benefits will be experienced by the over 1000 homes surrounding the park.
In the same vein, the Commissioner for Climate Change, Mr Donatus Etim, and the Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye, reiterated the State's Commitment in supporting the EU project by promoting conservation-friendly farming techniques through improved cocoa farming and strengthening resilience to Climate change.
The EU delegate to Nigeria and ECOWAS represented by the Head of Cooperation, Mr Kurt Corneli, reassured the State Government that the project in the state will form part of the larger European Union funded Support Program for the preservation of Forest Ecosystem.
