By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Cross River State Government reaffirmed its commitment to climate resilience and mangrove conservation in Calabar as a United Kingdom PACT-supported Food and Agriculture Organization project ended, citing the need to sustain ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods through stakeholder collaboration.
The commitment was announced on Tuesday during the closeout ceremony of the UK PACT Mangrove Restoration and Conservation Project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in partnership with state institutions in Calabar.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, represented by Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, said the project had strengthened the state’s environmental sustainability agenda through community-based conservation initiatives.
Enoh stated that “the success of this project demonstrates what can be achieved when communities, government and development partners work together to protect critical ecosystems while improving livelihoods”.
NatureNews notes that Cross River hosts some of West Africa’s most important mangrove ecosystems, which provide carbon storage, coastal protection, fisheries support and biodiversity conservation benefits.
According to the Cross River State Government, the project supported mangrove restoration, strengthened local capacity for sustainable resource management and promoted climate adaptation measures in vulnerable coastal communities.
The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that the initiative enhanced stakeholder engagement and improved awareness of the importance of mangrove conservation in addressing climate and environmental challenges.
FAO representatives explained that healthy mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in carbon sequestration, shoreline protection and the resilience of coastal populations to climate-related impacts.
According to the state government, lessons from the project will inform future environmental programmes aimed at sustaining ecosystem restoration and improving livelihoods in coastal communities.
Enoh urged stakeholders to sustain the gains achieved under the project and continue supporting actions that promote environmental stewardship and climate resilience across the state.
NatureNews tracks mangrove restoration, ecosystem conservation and climate adaptation efforts as part of its coverage of coastal resilience and sustainable environmental management across Nigeria and Africa.
