A workshop to protect endangered animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, and elephants were held at a workshop on Watershed Protection for Safe Sustainable Water Supply Calabar, Cross River, which aims to educate Nigerians on the need to protect its wildlife.
Speaking at the event on Monday, which was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Dr. Inaoyom Imong, Director, of Cross River Landscape for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said Nigeria and Cameroon are planning to establish a world heritage site for the native of both countries.
“The workshop became necessary to keep relevant agencies abreast with the international dimensions which wildlife trade has assumed, including methodologies to tackle them.
“We are also providing livelihood support for local communities in the forest areas to stem widespread poverty, and also dissuade them from invading protected areas for food,” Imong said.
He said the Presidents of the two countries would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would help both countries achieve joint conservation goals.
“Rare species indigenous to both countries are very few in their numbers in the whole of Africa; there is a need to protect them through the establishment of the site.
“The World Heritage Site will strengthen transboundary efforts between Nigeria and Cameroon which will make conservation more effective and reduce cost.
“When the MoU is signed by the two presidents very soon, it will bring about many more benefits, including joint patrols and regular transboundary workshops between Nigeria and Cameroon,” Imong said.
He makes a case for the strengthening and enforcement of laws that would protect wildlife and prosecution of violators, calling for the creation of a code of conduct for forest rangers.
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