Oban: Community leaders in Oban, located in Akamkpa, Cross River, have expressed their approval of UNESCO’s biodiversity business training programme, emphasizing its significance in addressing the depletion of their forest resources. The leaders hailed the initiative as timely and necessary for promoting sustainable practices within their community.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training, which was conducted for 12 communities within the Oban Biosphere Reserve, focused on biodiversity businesses related to fishery, poultry, and piggery. The programme, titled ‘Biodiversity Business in Omo Biosphere Reserve, Oban Biosphere Reserve and Shere Hills Reserve, Nigeria,’ aims to reduce poverty, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable development in Nigeria.
His Royal Highness, Ignatius Ndifon, the Traditional Ruler of Oban Community, remarked that the training enlightened participants about the economic and environmental value of their natural resources. He highlighted the need for the community to protect their forest lands and revive traditional land-use systems that promote sustainability.
Mr. Innocent Osang, leader of the Ojok Community, noted that the training addressed the root causes of indiscriminate forest exploitation and its environmental impacts. He expressed gratitude to UNESCO for providing guidance on engaging in sustainable businesses instead of over-exploiting the forest.
Mr. Ebenezer Ngwu, leader of the Orem Community, described the initiative as unprecedented in Cross River State. He suggested that community-level forest regulations, in collaboration with local government authorities, could enhance conservation efforts.
Mr. Boniface Ita, leader of Old Ekuri Community, emphasized that the training would help communities become economically self-reliant without encroaching on forest resources. He stressed the importance of preserving the forest and managing its resources wisely.
Mr. Augustin Ndifon, Nsofang Community Leader, noted that the training inspired collective action against indiscriminate logging within the biosphere reserve. The programme is sponsored by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), and the National Park Service. Benefiting communities include Old Netim, Nsan, Obung, Ojor, Nsofang, New Ekuri, Old Ekuri, Neghe, Oban, Osomba, Orem, and Ojok.
