The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to sustain Nigeria’s mangrove ecosystem and enhance its blue economy through the promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal made this statement during a workshop on the final evaluation and closure of the UK PACT-UN FAO project on Tuesday in Abuja.
The workshop was themed: “Sustaining Integrated Mangrove Ecosystem Management in Nigeria: From Achievements to Future Pathways.”
This event marked the conclusion of the project, which focused on the integrated management of mangrove ecosystems and expanding social protection for fisheries and forest-dependent communities in Cross River’s coastal areas.
Lawal appreciated the UK government’s valuable partnership, noting that it helped promote climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
“As this project concludes, our focus must shift to sustaining and scaling its achievements. We must strengthen community ownership, expand restoration efforts, and promote climate-resilient livelihoods.
“We must also leverage emerging opportunities in the blue economy and carbon markets.
“Our ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to consolidate and scale up the gains made under this project,” he said.
He added that Nigeria would advance the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan, commitments under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and obligations under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, commended the positive impact of the project across various sectors of the state’s economy.
He highlighted the challenges posed by increased environmental pressure, unsustainable resource use, and climate issues threatening the ecosystem.
The governor stated that the project demonstrated that environmental collaboration and socio-economic development can go hand in hand.
“The project facilitated mangrove restoration, sustainable management initiatives, capacity building, promotion of alternative land use, strengthening of community institutions, and support for biodiversity-dependent households.
“The Government of Cross River recognizes that the achievements under this project provide a strong foundation for future interventions. We are committed to sustaining this policy,” he said.
Dr. Hussein Gadain, UN FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted that the project showed that when communities, governments, development partners, and stakeholders work together, transformative change is possible.
“The project has laid a strong foundation for sustainability by registering 50 cooperatives, strengthening local institutions, and supporting alignment with national climate, environmental, and social priorities,” Gadain stated.
The project, which started in 2023 and ended on June 16, benefitted 4,827 people, 66% of whom were women, trained in climate-smart agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Funded by the UK and Northern Ireland, it was implemented by FAO in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Cross River State Government.
The initiative aimed to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods across 50 coastal communities, including Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, and Odukpani Local Government Areas.
