UN hails C-River’s forestry programme

The United Nations REDD Mission to Nigeria, has described the Cross River State Forestry Programme as an ambitious opposition to global warming.

Mr. Janthomas Hiemstra of UN-REDD Mission, disclosed this, weekend, during a courtesy call on Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, saying that the attempt by the state was unprecedented and places it as a lead state in Nigeria. He said they are committed to partner the state and create opportunities for it to succeed in its efforts to conserve and protect its forests and its potentials, through its well articulated forestry programmes.

Hiemstra said the political will exhibited by the state and its development partners, shows its determination to preserve its forests, adding that in 20 or 30 years, the commitment will attract  attention from various sections that things are changing in Cross River.

He noted that the current effort of the state will in the next six months attract investments and that UN-REDD will stand by the state in this regards, which will attract great financial benefits. He added that they were impressed with the green and clean environment of the state, which represents its effort to tackle global warming as well as ensure the result of great things to come.

Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke, said the state had made several efforts at the conservation and protection of its forest with the cooperation of international agencies and that the observations from UN REDD would encourage the state to forge ahead.

He added that challenges faced can be surmounted through their efforts and cooperation for the programme to succeed.

Imoke disclosed that the state had introduced a number of initiatives to curb logging and poaching and that it had worked closely with Federal Ministry of Environment to achieve its aims.

As over the couple of months it has shown great commitment to the programme, stating that numerous benefits derived from the forest should get to the local forest community which remains its focus as he believes strongly that Federal, State and Local Governments should complement each other to ensure its success.