Group calls for full restoration of rapidly declining mangrove in Cross River

The Cross River State director of Biodiversity Rescue Club, BRC, Mr Clement Oko, has disclosed that they have been able to restore about two hectares of previously degraded mangrove ecosystems in Essierebom, a coastal community in Calabar.
He made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar, adding that they aim to develop and implement a comprehensive mangrove restoration and sustainability action plan.

BRC, the Calabar chapter of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) called for the full restoration and sustainable management of the rapidly degrading mangrove ecosystems in the state.

He said the group is pushing strongly for mangrove restoration to curb the adverse effects of deforestation on the climate and its impacts on livelihoods, while also creating awareness among young people to become environmental stewards.

“We are advocating for mangrove restoration and conservation while also raising awareness in public schools, educating young people to protect the mangrove ecosystem,” he said.

Oko added that, in collaboration with another group, The Right Academy, is currently restoring mangroves in Idundu community in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, where more nurseries have been raised for planting.

A plant ecologist and biodiversity informaticist, Dr. Patrick Akwaji, highlighted the impacts of climate change on the state, including severe flooding that has destroyed farmlands and landscapes. He linked these challenges to widespread deforestation and unregulated logging.

“Timber is logged at will in villages and forests, with no proper protection for biodiversity. This has serious negative impacts on our resources,” he warned.

Akwaji stressed the need for sustainable forestry practices, noting that forests serve as effective carbon sinks.

“Each tree cut down releases the carbon it has stored back into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gases that deplete the ozone layer. As this depletion continues, we will keep experiencing extreme weather conditions, including intense rainfall and heat,” he said.

Representatives of Essierebom and Idundu communities at the event expressed happiness for the restoration of their degraded mangrove ecosystems, and the help to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for their people.