Participants at the symposium on Wednesday.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing measures to protect the forest and its biodiversity.
The Governor made this known while declaring open a 2-day symposium to commemorate the ‘World Environment Day’ at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar on Wednesday, specified that his government will promote land restoration, combat dissertation, and enhance drought
Governor Otu represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, intimated that the state is blessed with abundant natural resources, from rainforest to fertile farmlands, noting that rapid urbanization, deforestation and sustainable land use practices have placed immense pressure on our ecosystem, leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Responding to these changes, Governor Otu highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in tackling these issues head-on and urged stakeholders and local communities to join hands in sustainable management of land resources.
Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Moses Osogi said, “we gather to celebrate and advocate for the preservation of our environment with a special focus on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” .
He said, “Cross River State is committed to implementing sustainable land management practices that seek to promote the restoration of degraded lands, increase soil fertility and enhance biodiversity”.
He decried a situation were one-fifth of the Earth’s lands are now degraded and negatively affecting the well-being of more than three billion people and getting worse stating that restoring our ecosystems can create havens for wildlife, helping to halt the extinction crisis gripping our planet.
A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Orok Edet from the University of Calabar on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” followed by Prof. Francis Bisong’s presentation on “Man and the Environment.”
Additionally, Uguamanim Dien discussed “The Effect of Air Pollution from Public Burning,” while Dr. Dennis Agiande, also from the University of Calabar, addressed “Harmful Effects of Styrofoam on Human Health,”