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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Environment & Climate

Otu reaffirms commitment to mangrove conservation, climate resilience

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to mangrove conservation and climate resilience.
  • The commitment follows the successful completion of a UK PACT–FAO project focused on integrated mangrove ecosystem management and social protection for coastal communities.
  • The project involved mangrove restoration, capacity building, and alternative livelihood programs, benefiting over 4,800 people and restoring 15 hectares of mangrove forest.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reiterated his administration's dedication to sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience, and the conservation of biodiversity, particularly its vital mangrove ecosystems. This commitment was highlighted during a workshop to disseminate the results of a successful UK PACT–FAO project.

The project focused on the integrated management of mangrove ecosystems and expanded social protection for individuals dependent on fisheries and forests in coastal communities. Governor Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, praised the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UK PACT Programme, development partners, and participating communities for their contributions.

I want to specially commend the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UK PACT Programme, development partners, and participating communities for their contributions to the project’s success to enhance ecosystem resilience and improve livelihoods through mangrove restoration, sustainable resource management and support for vulnerable households particularly women and youths in coastal communities.

— Peter OdeyRepresenting Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor commended stakeholders for their role in the mangrove ecosystem project.

Odey noted that the initiative significantly enhances ecosystem resilience and improves livelihoods. Key components included mangrove restoration, sustainable resource management, capacity building, and the development of alternative livelihood programs. These efforts specifically targeted vulnerable households, with a focus on women and youth in coastal areas.

Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that the project successfully trained over 4,800 people in climate-smart practices, promoted alternative livelihoods to strengthen climate resilience, and restored 15 hectares of mangrove forest. He emphasized that the initiative serves as a model for achieving sustainable development by combining ecosystem restoration, livelihood support, and community ownership.

This initiative has trained more than 4,800 people in climate-smart practices, promoted alternative livelihoods to strengthen climate resilience, as well as restored 15 hectares of mangrove forest. This project demonstrates the impact of combining ecosystem restoration, livelihood support, and community ownership to achieve sustainable development

— Dr. Hussein GadainThe FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS highlighted the project's achievements and its model for sustainable development.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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