By Musa Yaro, Calabar.
Stakeholders at a one-day conference have called on the Cross River State governor, Prince Bassey Otu, to disband the newly constituted task force on illegal logging in the state.
The forum made up of community persons, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, representatives of MDAs, paramilitary agencies, and the academia, met in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
“This call has become pertinent as 80 percent of the entire membership of the task force are among those fingered to have been depleting the forests in Cross River.
“Logging operations and ineffective government regulations have resulted in a drastic reduction of the state’s once largest forest cover.
“The illegal wood trade has introduced new and unforeseen security risks, posing significant challenges to forest protection.
“Ilegal logging activities have intensified in recent years with well-organized cartels and connections to Chinese nationals exacerbating the problem,” the stakeholders maintained.
A signed communique made available to newsmen shortly after the event said that the state is experiencing unparalleled levels of forest degradation, indicating one of the world’s worst rates of ongoing deforestation.
Admitting that the government has the responsibility of checking illegal logging, the forum noted that the solution lies in changing the forest management framework in the state since the Forest Commission is only a shadow of itself to reintroduce government-sanctioned logging activities.
The communique further recommended “the empowerment of indigenous communities through legal framework and sustainable partnership with government agencies and NGOs, to manage and protect the forests in their territories.
“Implement stricter penalties and sanctions for illegal logging activities targeting both individuals and entities involved in the illicit timber trade.
“Develop and implement comprehensive forest management plans to address ecological and socio-economic aspects of forest protection, as well as the integration of sustainable land use practices, reforestation programs, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
“Promote alternative livelihoods and economic incentives through investment in agroforestry, and eco-tourism programs to provide income-generating opportunities for communities while preserving forest ecosystems.
“Seek international support and collaboration through partnerships with global organizations, donor agencies, and foreign governments to tackle deforestation challenges,” the communique stated.
It also called for access to funding and technical assistance for capacity building, research, and the implementation of sustainable forest management initiatives.
“The need for active participation in international forums and agreements related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, while advocating for increased attention and resources for forest protection efforts in Cross River,”
