We the People, a civil society organization (CSO), has stressed the need for Cross River’s mangrove forests to be fully protected under the state’s forestry laws.
Mr. Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of the organization, made the call in Calabar on Monday while reacting to the recommended review of the Cross River Forestry Law, 2010.
It will be recalled that over the past eight months, 19 environmental protection CSOs, led by We the People, reviewed the 2010 law and recommended stronger provisions to protect the state’s forests.
Henshaw noted that mangroves are forests—not rainforests—and should therefore enjoy equal legal status and protection under the Forestry Commission framework.
He acknowledged challenges such as firewood exploitation but stressed that conservation rules must apply adequately to mangrove ecosystems.
According to him, community participation is embedded in procedures for forest reservation and management.
“The reviewed forestry law enables the Forestry Commission to designate forests as reserves with stakeholder engagement.
“It introduces reforms supporting individuals and organizations seeking to restore degraded forests, particularly mangroves, without bureaucratic bottlenecks,” Henshaw said.
He explained that previous laws tied regeneration only to future logging concessions, requiring 10-year management plans and heavy upfront payments.
Henshaw said the recommended review creates a category for conservation-driven restoration without logging intentions.
“Under the new framework, groups restoring mangroves need only submit management proposals for Forestry Commission approval.
“Once approved, such mangrove areas gain official protection, preventing illegal sales or encroachment by host communities.
“Restoration projects will now operate under the commission’s protection instead of relying solely on community goodwill.
“The reform also strengthens legal backing for mangrove conservation and shields restored areas from exploitation,” he said.
