This commitment was made during a formal visit by the Wildlife Conservation Society team led by the Country Director, Dr. Inaoyom Imong, where operational support equipment was officially presented to the Forestry Commission to enhance field operations and conservation management.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Imong appreciated the cordial relationship between WCS and the Forestry Commission, noting that the successes recorded in areas such as the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbe Mountains would not have been possible without the enabling environment created by the Commission.
According to him, WCS remains committed to partnering with the Forestry Commission under the leadership of the Chairman/CEO, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) George Oben-Etchi, to improve conservation management and safeguard the state’s natural resources for future generations.
He acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting conservation efforts but expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of stakeholders working to protect the forests and biodiversity of Cross River State.
Also speaking, the WCS Nigeria Cross River Landscape Director, Anthony Atah, commended the technical capacity of Forestry Commission staff and announced the donation of five motorcycles alongside field monitoring gadgets to support ranger patrols and monitoring activities in the forests.
He further disclosed that WCS is preparing to commence reforestation activities in Afi and Mbe forests using indigenous tree species. He appealed for collaboration with the Commission, noting that communities would also be mobilized to support the initiative.
Atah additionally reiterated WCS’ commitment to renovating part of the Forestry Commission office facility as part of its broader intervention towards improving forest governance in the state.
Responding, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) George Oben-Etchi, expressed deep appreciation to WCS for the support and partnership.
Describing the moment as emotional and encouraging, Oben-Etchi noted that the collaboration between both institutions continues to yield positive results in conservation efforts across the state.
He praised WCS for extending support to the Commission despite existing challenges, stressing that the donated motorcycles and operational equipment would significantly improve field activities and conservation operations.
The Forestry Commission Chairman also emphasized the importance of reforestation, describing it as central to the Commission’s mission of restoring lost forest cover and protecting biodiversity.
Reflecting on the impact of environmental degradation and climate change, Oben-Etchi lamented the gradual loss of forest ecosystems over the years due to unchecked human activities and neglect of the forestry sector.
He, however, assured that the Commission would remain committed to conservation efforts and called on other development partners to support ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving the state’s forests.
Former Director of Ecotourism at the Forestry Commission, Mr. Clement Umina, also highlighted WCS’ technical support in helping forest communities develop and revise forest management plans in communities around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Obudu Ranch axis.
According to him, the initiative will serve as a model for sustainable forest management across other forest communities in Cross River State, ultimately strengthening conservation outcomes and promoting responsible forest governance.
