The Wildlife Conservation Society Nigeria has announced plans to commence reforestation activities in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbe Mountains in Cross River state as part of efforts to restore degraded forest areas and strengthen biodiversity conservation NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The WCS Nigeria Cross River Landscape Director, Anthony Atah, disclosed this during a visit by the organisation to the Cross River State Forestry Commission in Calabar.
Atah said the reforestation exercise would involve the planting of indigenous tree species to support ecological restoration and sustainable forest management in the affected areas.
According to him, local communities would also be mobilised to participate in the initiative to ensure long-term sustainability and community ownership of the conservation programme.
He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting forest conservation efforts in the state, noting that the intervention formed part of broader collaboration with the Forestry Commission.
Atah also announced the donation of five motorcycles and field monitoring gadgets to the commission to strengthen ranger patrols and monitoring activities across forest reserves.
In addition, he disclosed plans by the organisation to renovate part of the Forestry Commission office facility to improve operational efficiency and forest governance.
Speaking during the visit, the Country Director of WCS Nigeria, Dr. Inaoyom Imong, commended the partnership between the organisation and the Forestry Commission, describing it as critical to the successes recorded in conservation areas such as Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbe Mountains.
He said WCS would continue to work with the commission to protect biodiversity and preserve the state’s natural resources for future generations despite the challenges facing conservation activities.
Responding, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George Oben-Etchi, expressed appreciation for the continued support from WCS.
Oben-Etchi described reforestation as central to the commission’s efforts to restore lost forest cover and combat the effects of environmental degradation and climate change.
He said the donated operational equipment would improve field activities and strengthen ongoing conservation operations across the state.
The Forestry Commission chairman also called on other development partners to support initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring forest ecosystems in Cross River State.
