Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, the Cross River National Park (CRNP) is home to some of the rarest species. Among the world’s most endangered primates is the Cross River gorilla. The park is estimated to number only 300 individuals. Other Endangered Species found in the park include the Sclater’s guenon and the drill monkey, both of which are experiencing significant habitat degradation. With the loss of about 3.5% of its forests per year, Nigeria has some of the highest rates of Deforestation in the world.
More specifically, illicit logging, agriculture, and Infrastructure development have caused Cross River State to lose more than 60% of its major forests in recent decades, endangering the state’s delicate environment and its species. Due to the severe socioeconomic difficulties that local populations in and around CRNP experience, unsustainable practices are encouraged. Their survival depends on the forest, yet its supplies are running out, as Farmer Mary Ekanem of one of the park’s support villages put it. Alternatives are required so that we can support our families without endangering the ecosystem. Integration of local livelihoods with environmental preservation is necessary for conservation initiatives to address these concerns.
It is possible to stop illicit operations by hiring more park rangers.
Also, it is essential that local communities be included in conservation initiatives. Reducing reliance on Forest resources can be accomplished through programs that offer substitute Revenue streams like ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and handicraft manufacturing. Locals in Cross River State have been empowered through Forest Management and eco-tourism thanks to the community-led Ekuri Initiative, which successfully combines Economic Development and forest conservation. More than 33,600 hectares of forest have been protected thanks to this program, which has also helped the local economy. Another essential step is replanting to restore degraded areas.
Native tree species can be planted to link fragmented habitats and support wildlife populations, as can the creation of forest corridors. These initiatives may be supported by international funds, government initiatives, and collaborations with the commercial sector. Large-scale restoration initiatives can be successfully financed; one example is the Great Green Wall effort in Africa, which intends to repair 100 million hectares of damaged land by 2030 and has attracted over $8 billion in funding from global partners. It is possible to monitor and stop illicit operations like poaching and Logging by hiring more park rangers, giving them better training, and arming them with tools like drones and camera traps.
Adhering to and enforcing stricter environmental regulations is essential.
An appreciable decline in illicit activities has resulted from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) effective anti-poaching patrols in the region. It is possible to look for more money through international organizations devoted to wildlife protection, government funds, and conservation NGOs. Adhering to and enforcing stricter environmental regulations is essential. In order to safeguard vital habitats, governments must give conservation top priority on their national agendas and allot enough funding. Strong environmental regulations, financial incentives for conservation, and sustainable tourist programs have helped nations like Costa Rica reverse deforestation, demonstrating the efficacy of such policies.
Furthermore, Cross River National Park is threatened by climate change, which is changing rainfall distribution, raising temperatures, and changing weather patterns. These modifications may make wildlife food shortages, water scarcity, and habitat deterioration worse. For example, droughts brought on by fluctuating rainfall and rising temperatures might affect the park’s rivers and streams, which are essential to the survival of both flora and animals. Furthermore, severe weather, including storms, can harm trees, upend ecosystems, and increase the region’s susceptibility to invading species.
Related Article: Challenges of Biodiversity in Nigeria
Stress from the climate can weaken species’ resistance and bring some closer to extinction by straining ecosystems. Collaboration is necessary to preserve Cross River National Park’s distinctive fauna. Promoting Eco-friendly products, volunteering, advocating for policy changes, supporting conservation organizations, and raising awareness are all necessary for this. People may help preserve one of Nigeria’s greatest natural assets by adopting these steps, which will guarantee that Cross River National Park remains a wildlife refuge and a source of pride for coming generations.