Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has publicly reinforced his government’s commitment to sustainable natural resource management, with a particular focus on mangrove ecosystems. The pledge comes on the heels of the UK PACT, FAO project, which concluded after delivering targeted interventions to enhance mangrove conservation and expand social protection for communities dependent on fisheries and forest resources. The project, implemented in coastal areas, aimed to balance ecological preservation with the economic needs of local populations.
Mangroves are among the most effective natural defenses against climate change, yet they face severe threats from deforestation, urbanization, and industrial activities. In Nigeria, the degradation of mangrove forests has accelerated coastal erosion, increased vulnerability to flooding, and disrupted the livelihoods of millions who rely on fishing and forest products. The loss of these ecosystems also diminishes their capacity to sequester carbon, exacerbating global warming. Public health experts warn that unchecked mangrove depletion could lead to heightened food insecurity, displacement of coastal communities, and increased exposure to waterborne diseases.
The initiative primarily benefits coastal communities in Cross River State, where over 60% of the population depends on fisheries and forest resources for income and sustenance. These communities, often marginalized, face compounded risks from climate change, including loss of arable land, reduced fish stocks, and limited access to clean water. Women and children, who play central roles in small scale fishing and forest product collection, are particularly vulnerable to the economic and health impacts of ecosystem degradation. The project’s social protection measures aim to mitigate these risks by providing alternative livelihoods and resilience building programs.
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