Six broad stakeholder groups including forest dependent communities; government ministries, departments and agencies (GMDAs); media; academia; civil society organisations; and private sector players gathered for three days last week in Calabar, Cross River State (CRS), courtesy of the United Nations collaborative mechanism on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD+) Programme.
The REDD+ Readiness Programme in Nigeria is being implemented in Cross River as pilot state. The Stakeholder Forum is regarded as the ultimate platform to coordinate stakeholders’ participation and contribution to the strategic direction of the REDD+ Programme implementation in state. The forum likewise validated the Participatory Governance Assessment Draft Report and the Community Based REDD+ Draft Country Plan.
Nigeria is executing the REDD+ Readiness programme under an innovative, two-track approach involving the Federal Government and CRS.
Royal Fathers at the forum (L-R): Dr. Etim Ekpo (Akpabuji), Ntufam Clement Ekpe Emajip (Akamkpa), Chief Obio Aidam Eyo (Ekuri/Eko cluster), Otu Fredalin Akandu (Boki) and Ovat Ewona (Obubra)
National Coordinator, Nigeria UN-REDD+ Programme, Salisu Dahiru, making a presentation
REDD+ Specialist, Ochuko Odibo, addressing the gathering
UN-REDD+ Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Tony Atah (right) with Finance & Admin. Manager, Bassey Ituen
Project Director, African Research Association Managing Development in Nigeria (ARADIN), James Odey (left); South East Regional Coodinator, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Ruth Akagu; and other participants
Board Member, Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC), Arikpo Arikpo (left); UN-REDD+ Officer, Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, Hauwa Umar (middlie); and Chairman, CRSFC, Odigha Odigha
