As part of the efforts to protect the forests and Biodiversity in Cross River State, the Cross River National Park in conjunction with Wildlife Conservation Society, convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to strengthen the partnership between National Park authorities, host communities, Government agencies, civil society organizations and development partners on sustainable forest management and Biodiversity, particularly in Oban Sector of the Park.
The meeting which was held at the multi-purpose hall of CRNP on April 15, 2026, was predicated on the need to foster dialogue, identity issues and prioritize options to address them, build trust and agree on practical approaches to balancing conservation objectives with community livelihoods and well being.
In his address, the Conservator of Parks, Cross River National Park; CP Joseph Assam Ntui, heartily welcomed all for finding time to attend the meeting. He reeled out some of the challenges witnessed in the Park, which includes; illegal logging, farm encroachment and mining, stressing that some SZCs have gone to the extent of selling Park land to companies to open plantations, as well as giving their consent to mining companies.
In his words ” The decision and actions we take today, would determine the future of our unborn generations”.
In his remarks, the Paramount ruler of Akamkpa, Ophot Agbor Owai Ebani, eulogized the Cross River National Park and by extension the National Park Service, for sustainably managing the forests despite distractions and challenges. He decried the rate of forest degradation, which he stated was being perpetuated by strangers with full connivance of locals, who accepts tokens and allow these individuals to deplete the forests. He emphasized that National Park Service is not a development agency and enjoined the members of the forest bearing communities to hold their leaders – especially elected public office holders (Councillors, Local Government Chairmen, etc.) accountable for lack of development in their areas. He also urged them not to fight the CRNP, rather collaborate with the Park for sustainable conservation of the biological resources.
Also in his remarks, the Chief Magistrate, Akamkpa, Magistrate Michael Egbai, advised the community representatives to desist from aiding and abetting illegal activities in the Park. He suggested that henceforth, the Park should join the community heads and leaders in the suit for any arrest effected within their communities and locality.
He reminded them that “Ignorance of the Law is not an Excuse”.
Key issues discussed include;
- Population increase and livelihood challenges of the forest bearing communities
- Illegal logging, farm encroachment, wildlife trafficking and mining in the Park
- Land tenure arrangement, Park boundary management, limited community participation in Forest governance and opportunities for ecosystem services incentives.
After robust deliberations, the following resolutions were reached; - Reintroduction of Forest Management Committees and Community Forestry
- Reintroduce royalties to encourage community participation
- Develop and implement deforestation free livelihood programs
- Facilitate access to trainings, credit and improved markets for commodities like cocoa,
- Review Cross River State Forestry Law 2010, etc,.
Participants were drawn from Cross River National Park, Host Communities and traditional institutions, Wildlife Conservation Society, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Cross River State Ministry of Environment, Media, Judiciary and Law Enforcement Agencies, Federal Ministry of Mines.
