The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation 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.
Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated this while representing Governor Bassey Otu at the UK PACT Project Results Dissemination Workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Odey commended the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UK PACT Programme, development partners and participating communities for their collective contributions to the successful implementation of the project.
He noted that the initiative had significantly enhanced ecosystem resilience and improved livelihoods in coastal communities through mangrove restoration, sustainable resource management, capacity building, alternative livelihood programmes and targeted support for vulnerable households, particularly women and youths.
The Deputy Governor described the project as a model for balancing environmental sustainability with socio-economic development, stressing that its outcomes have demonstrated the value of collaborative efforts in addressing climate and livelihood challenges.
According to him, the Otu administration remains committed to consolidating the gains of the project through stronger partnerships, increased investment in nature-based solutions and the replication of successful interventions across other communities.
“Cross River State remains committed to promoting sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and inclusive economic growth while safeguarding our invaluable mangrove ecosystems for future generations,” Odey stated.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended the UK Government and FAO for supporting Nigeria’s efforts in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood development through the project.
The Minister highlighted key achievements of the initiative, including the registration of 50 cooperatives and improved access to finance for beneficiaries, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding restoration programmes and climate-resilient livelihood opportunities through sustained collaboration.
Earlier, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Hussein Gadain, said the project had demonstrated the effectiveness of combining ecosystem restoration, livelihood support and community ownership to achieve sustainable development goals.
Gadain disclosed that the initiative restored 15 hectares of mangrove forest, trained more than 4,800 beneficiaries in climate-smart practices and promoted alternative livelihood opportunities aimed at strengthening community resilience to climate change.
Presenting the project brief, Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, George O’Ben-Etchi, said the project delivered significant ecological, social and institutional benefits, while Paul Healey praised the commitment of partners and host communities to the successful implementation of the initiative.
A major highlight of the workshop, which was declared open by the Minister of Environment, was the presentation of community testimonials, technical papers and the formal handover of project outputs, including implementation plans and other key documents intended to sustain the gains recorded under the programme.
The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, environmental experts, community representatives and other stakeholders to review the project’s achievements and chart a path for sustaining climate resilience and biodiversity conservation efforts in Nigeria’s coastal communities.
By Ukongikwen Adie
