The National Park Service (NPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with global biosphere reserve regulations and guidelines as recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Conservator of the Cross River National Park, CP Joseph Ntui, stated this on Thursday in Akamkpa, Cross River, during an interview on the sidelines of a UNESCO-supported biodiversity business training for 12 communities around the Oban Biosphere Reserve.
The training, focused on fishery, poultry, and piggery, aims to provide alternative sources of income, reduce dependence on forest resources, and promote sustainable resource management. It was sponsored by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), and the NPS.
Ntui explained that part of the biosphere reserve guidelines includes promoting community-based biodiversity businesses that enhance sustainable livelihoods while conserving the environment.
“The National Park is a global project, and we are signatories to several international conventions on wildlife preservation and biosphere conservation,” he said.
“We work closely with organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society and align with global frameworks like the UN Climate Change Framework Convention, all of which aim to protect the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change.”
He noted that the UNESCO MAB Programme seeks to improve the relationship between people and nature by fostering a global network of biosphere reserves dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Ntui emphasised that conserving resources within the biosphere reserves would benefit both current and future generations. He added that the NPS is partnering with non-governmental organisations and multinational bodies to empower communities surrounding the park with sustainable livelihood options.
“We are working with stakeholders to promote environmentally friendly practices and support community-based enterprises,” he said.
“Cross River National Park covers about 105 communities, and we have been helping them form cooperatives and adopt sustainable, smart agricultural practices to reduce dependence on forest resources.”
He recalled that when the park was established in 1991, there was intense pressure from communities relying heavily on the forest for sustenance and income. However, interventions offering alternative livelihoods have significantly reduced such pressure over the years.
Ntui acknowledged that convincing some women and youths to completely abandon forest-dependent activities remains a challenge, but noted that the service is intensifying efforts through conservation education and awareness campaigns.
“We are engaging in aggressive conservation education to sensitise them to the benefits of protecting their environment and adopting sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
