TheCable

Stakeholders in the environmental sector are collaborating to mitigate climate change through the restoration of mangroves in Nigeria.

NAN reports that the stakeholders met in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the UK PACT project.

The project is on the integrated management of mangrove ecosystem and the expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependents in the coastal communities of Cross River.

Koffy Kouacou, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative in Nigeria, emphasised the need to save the mangrove ecosystem as part of efforts to impact livelihoods.

Kouacou said mangroves need restoration due to the negative impacts of deforestation through firewood and timber collection, which causes air pollution.

He expressed appreciation to the UK PACT, federal ministry of environment and the Cross River government for supporting the project.

Kouacou assured FAO’s support for environmental initiatives and commended the stakeholders for collaborating on the project.

On his part, Salisu Dahiru, director-general (DG) of the National Council on Climate Change, said mangroves play an important role in carbon sequestration and reducing emissions.

Dahiru said the UK PACT project in partnership with FAO will help in harnessing resources critical to the country’s nationally determined contribution (NDCs).

“The project aligns with one of the mitigation options, help in climate adaptation and strengthening collaboration amongst stakeholders,” he added.

Martine Sobey, climate change and nature leader at the British high commission, said forest protection will be provided for communities impacted by erosion, desert encroachment and deforestation.

Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River commissioner for agriculture and irrigation development, said the state government is committed to the mangrove restoration project.