Calabar became the focal point of environmental policy dialogue on Thursday as government officials, environmental experts, civil society organisations, community leaders and development partners converged for the 4th Multi Stakeholder Conference on Deforestation to deliberate on practical solutions to the growing threats of illegal mining, forest degradation and climate change in Cross River State.
By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
The conference, held in Calabar, brought together key stakeholders to examine the environmental, economic and security implications of deforestation while proposing policy reforms and collaborative strategies to safeguard the state's rich forest resources.
Activities commenced with participant registration, followed by a welcome session featuring a national prayer, introductions, recognitions and conference orientation coordinated by the moderators.
Delivering the welcome address, Ken Henshaw, Director of We The People, set the tone for the conference with a presentation titled "Cross River on the Cross Roads: Between Vanishing Forests, Mining and Climate Change." He highlighted the urgent need for collective action to reverse the alarming depletion of forest resources, stressing that unchecked deforestation and illegal mining pose significant threats to biodiversity, livelihoods, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The conference also featured solidarity messages from government officials, community leaders and heads of civil society organisations, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Cross River's forests through stronger partnerships and improved environmental governance.
Environmental policy expert Dr. Martins Egot delivered a presentation on "Reforming the Cross River State Forestry Law: Policy Imperatives and Strategic Recommendations." He emphasised the importance of strengthening the state's forestry legislation to address emerging environmental challenges, recommending policy reforms capable of improving forest protection, promoting sustainable resource management and enhancing law enforcement.
Following a health break, legal practitioner Redzie Jugo Esq. examined "The Emerging Dynamics of Mining, Deforestation and Insecurity in Cross River State: Lessons from the Middle Belt of Nigeria." He drew attention to the growing relationship between illegal mining activities, environmental degradation and rising insecurity, urging policymakers to learn from developments in the Middle Belt by adopting preventive strategies that address both environmental and security concerns.
Environmental advocate Daryl Bosu delivered another insightful presentation titled "Illegal Mining, Deforestation and National Interests: Lessons from Ghana." Drawing from Ghana's experiences, he highlighted the devastating consequences of illegal mining on forests, water bodies and local communities while advocating stronger regulatory frameworks, community participation and political commitment to environmental protection.
The conference proceeded with a panel session moderated by Ken Henshaw, focusing on "Strategies, Opportunities and Lessons for Halting Illegal Mining and Deforestation." Panelists including Carlos Akpet, Daniel Klip and Emmanuel Owan, a community leader, explored practical approaches to combating environmental crimes through improved enforcement, community engagement, policy implementation and multi stakeholder collaboration.
The event concluded with a session on Resolutions and Call to Action, during which participants adopted recommendations aimed at strengthening forest conservation, addressing illegal mining, promoting sustainable environmental policies and encouraging greater collaboration among government institutions, civil society and host communities.
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