…as Environment Minister Declares Workshop Open
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.
Speaking at the UK PACT Project Results Dissemination Workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who represented the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, commended 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.
Odey noted that the project enhanced 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.
Emphasizing the need to sustain the project’s gains through stronger partnerships, replication of successful approaches, and investment in nature-based solutions, Dr. Odey said the Otu administration remains committed to promoting sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic growth while safeguarding Cross River’s mangrove ecosystems.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised the UK Government and FAO for supporting Nigeria’s climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihood efforts through the UK PACT–FAO project.
He highlighted key achievements, including the registration of 50 cooperatives and improved access to finance, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding restoration initiatives and climate-resilient livelihoods through sustained collaboration.
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.
He noted that the initiative restored 15 hectares of mangrove forest, trained more than 4,800 people in climate-smart practices, and promoted alternative livelihoods to strengthen climate resilience.
Presenting the project brief, Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. Dr. George O’Ben-Etchi, said the project delivered significant ecological, social, and institutional benefits, while Dr. Paul Healey of the British High Commission commended the partners and communities for their collaborative efforts and achievements.
A highlight of the event, which was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Environment, was the presentation of community testimonials, technical papers, and the formal handover of project outputs, including plans and key documents.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar