The Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Audrey Azoulay has pledged to assist host communities of the National Park in Cross River State.
She said this when she visited the park in Akamkpa, explaining that it was aimed at discouraging the people from encroaching into the parks.
She noted efforts of the state government towards preserving the wildlife plant as well as animal conservatism and preservation.
“We are in Nigeria to provide solution for a greener economy for the communities, for better knowledge of the ecosystem, protection of nature and empowerment of the local communities.
“UNESCO is standing with Nigeria to protect its biodiversity through an increase of the network of the biosphere reserve.
The Minister of State for Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, said that the Ministry was also collaborating with the local communities to protect the biodiversity.
The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation in Cross River, Dr Inyang Asibong, said that the state government places a premium on the protection of the biodiversity, hence their sustained collaboration with the Management of the park.
Mr Victor Asuquo, the youth leader of the host communities, appealed to UNESCO to make good their promise of empowerment.
He also appealed to both the state and federal governments to provide alternative sources of livelihood for poachers, hunters, and timber loggers/dealers.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
