Otu reaffirms commitment to mangrove conservation, climate resilience

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. Otu disclosed this following the successful completion of the UK PACT–FAO project on integrated management of mangrove ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependents in coastal communities. Speaking at the UK PACT project results dissemination workshop on Tuesday, Otu who was represented at the event by the deputy governor; Peter Odey, commended the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the UK PACT Programme, development partners, and participating communities for their contributions to the project’s success. Odey noted that the project enhances ecosystem resilience and improved livelihoods through mangrove restoration, sustainable resource management, capacity building, alternative livelihood programmes, and support for vulnerable households, particularly women and youths in coastal communities. Related News Lagos moves to reform tourism, agric laws Climate change: Ogun poly rector urges attitudinal change Nigeria, Cameroon sign border security pact He said, “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.” The governor, while emphasising the need to sustain the project’s gains through stronger partnerships, replication of successful approaches, and investment in nature-based solutions, noted that his administration is committed to biodiversity conservation and safeguarding state’s mangrove ecosystems. Earlier in his welcome address, FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, said the project demonstrates the impact of combining ecosystem restoration, livelihood support, and community ownership to achieve sustainable development. “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”, he added. Emem Julius

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