…Sustainable forest management key to our survival as a people, says Peter Jenkins
By Ebriku John Friday
The Chairman/CEO Cross River State Forestry Commission Rt. Hon. Dr. George O’ben-Etchi has said that the Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prince Bassey Otu is committed to achieving Sustainable Forest Management in the state which is the reason he was appointed.
The Chairman/CEO of the commission made the statement in a meeting with the former Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-deforestation Task Force (ATF) / founder and co-director of Pandrillus, Peter Jenkins in Calabar recently.
He added that re-afforestation will form part of his key strategies. He explained that the last time trees were planted in the state was about 10 years ago and he hopes to achieve some level of re afforestation in the next few years.
The Chairman/CEO added that he seeks the support of all stakeholders including leaders of forest communities, the law enforcement agencies, the international development organizations and international financial institutions.
Speaking, the former Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-deforestation Task Force (ATF) / founder and co-director of Pandrillus, Peter Jenkins said that Sustainable Forest Management is key to our survival as a people in Cross River State.
He explained that forest cover provides moisture which crops like cocoa require for quality growth and production. He stated further that the constant depletion of the state’s forests has led to not just drying up of streams but a change of climate condition in the state which is observable.
He told the new Chairman/CEO of the Commission that the task to save what is left of the state’s forest reserve is a daunting one and thus he does not envy his appointment. He advised that the chairman/CEO must build teams made of people with requisite knowledge, integrity and discipline to deliver on the job before him.
He warned that he and his team will face hurdles, harassments and even threats to life, noting that they must seek the cooperation of security agencies including the Department of State Security, the Military and the Nigeria Police.
Mr. Jenkins pledged his support for the new Chairman/CEO of the Commission, saying he will offer advise, use his experience and network to ensure he succeeds adding that the success of the Chairman will be his success.
