Concerned with the continued loss of forest in Cross River state, We the People on the 6 th of June, 2024, a organized a roundtable with environment and conservation stakeholders focused on developing strategies and partnerships for forest protection in the State. The meeting drew participation from government ministries and agencies including the state Forestry Commission and the state Ministry of Environment. Other participants were drawn from civil society organizations, the media and the academia.

In their opening statement, We the People emphasized the alarming rate of deforestation in Cross River State, despite the 2007 logging moratorium, and criticized the recently introduced permittee-ship scheme for logging in the state, saying it had failed in curbing illegal timber extraction. The remark expressed concerns with the state’s approach which views forests primarily as revenue sources, while highlighting
the new threat posed by illegal mining activities in the reserved National Park.

In his lead presentation, Goldman Environment Award winner Dr. Odigha Odigha pointed out the ineffectiveness of the 14-year moratorium due to its status as a policy rather than enforceable law. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among civil society organizations, the government, and other stakeholders, advocating for a focus on sustainable development opportunities such as eco-tourism.

The Chairman of the Cross River Forestry Commission, Dr George Oben-Etchi, on his part emphasized the need for massive sensitization to educate rural communities on the dangers of deforestation. He said the Commission was challenged by poor funding, limited human resource and outdated laws. Dr. Oben-Etchi noted that irrespective of the challenges, the Commission would continue to do its best to tackle illegal logging activities in the state.

Representative of the Conservator of the Cross River National Park, Rebecca Ikpeme also confirmed that there had been an invasion of the protected areas in the state by persons whose nativity is not traceable. “The illegal miners don’t have traceable identities. They are armed. Several times we have arrested some of them but ‘some Alhajis’ would intervene and get them released”.

A wide range of participants at the meeting pointed out key drivers of deforestation in the state. They include rural poverty, lack of will by the government, weak forest governance, misaligned governmental priorities, influence of timber kingpins, expansion of cocoa and palm plantations, etc.

The meeting also identified poor funding of the Forestry Commission as a key impediment to the fight against deforestation.

The roundtable emphasized the urgent need for cohesive strategies and partnerships to protect Cross River State’s forests. Participants agreed that without sincere commitment and collaborative efforts, the state’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage were at severe risk.

Participants at the Roundtable reached the following resolutions;

•  To work towards updating the state Forestry Laws to the extent that it responds to contemporary realities including climate change and smart agriculture.
• To work with all stakeholders in ensuring that illegally acquired timber products do not leave Cross River state. This will involve strengthening law enforcement and developing collaborative multi-stakeholder monitoring strategies.
• To advocate for the strengthening of the Cross River State Forestry Commission in three areas-resources, personnel, and equipment.
• Engage CSOs to deploy capacity building interventions for alternative sources of community livelihood and sustenance away from illegal logging.
• To engage the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Mines to stop granting licenses to mine in protected forests.
• Engage the Federal Government towards developing joint actions for checking illegal activities in the Cross River National Park.