Building capacity of forest conservation workers

In order to realise it’s objective of conserving Nigeria’s forest, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation with the support of the National Park Service trained 50 Park Rangers and empowered 240 neighbouring communities; HELEN OJI reports.

Introduction

Essentially, the core objective of the capacity building was to improve the security and tourism infrastructure for effective management of Park and enhancement of the management and governance of priority Protected Areas (PA) by addressing existing limitations. Also, enforcing legal framework required to achieve effective biodiversity conservation in PAs; support local communities’ initiatives aiming to enhance the livelihoods of local people while effectively contributing to PA management; and promote the ecotourism potential of the Park.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the support of the National Park Service, trained 50 Park Rangers of Okomu National Park in Edo State, and empowered 240 members of the neighbouring communities through two separate intensive capacity building workshops. These rangers are safe guarding the Parks and forest reserve, so that there will be know encroachment into these places.

Enhancing protection, aiding data collection

In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the workshop, the Director General of NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, represented by Director of Technical Programmes, Joseph Onoja, said the capacity building and donations of items are being done in order to enhance the protection of the Park and also to aid data collection of the wildlife species.

He said: “To show appreciation to BIOPAMA that has graciously funded this, as NCF, we are not just going to train and donate, but also ensure the equipment are being used for what they are intended for. We are also going to refurbish a vehicle for them to aid Rangers mobility and enhance the protection of the Park.”

Conservator of Park, Okomu National Park, CP Tesleem Adeniyi Kareem, appreciated the donor (BIOPAMA) and facilitator (NCF) and revealed that the training and equipment would help in updating, conserving and managing the biodiversity resources of the Park.

He said: “Okomu National Park though is the smallest among the National Parks in Nigeria with 202.24 square kilometers but it’s the richest in terms of biodiversity.”

Conservator General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, represented by CP Ojo Cornelius Oladipo, in his address said the training will fosters good relationship between and among the Park, communities and other stakeholders.

“I am one of the happiest persons today, witnessing one of the interventions by NCF, I want to appreciate NCF DG in providing training for Rangers and intervention programme for community members here today,” he said.

The 12 selected communities are Udo, Iguafole, Inikorogha, Ofunama, Ajakurama, Iguowan, Igninoba, Ugolo, Asamara, Okomu-Ijaw, Ugbo 1 & AT&P.

Improve livelihoods

The training, which held at the Tourist Base Camp, Arakhuan, within Okomu National Park, will eventually increase PA capacity to protect species, improve facilities and revenue generation. Likewise, it will help development and improve livelihoods of community members and secure their support for the Park and environment.

NCF donated critical field and surveillance equipment to the Park to enhance its logistical and operational capacities on protection, biodiversity conservation and ecotourism development. Among the items donated were drone, walkie-talkie, binoculars, Global Positioning System (GPS), computers, uniforms and patrol motorcycles, among others.

The Alternative Livelihoods Enhancement Trainings organised for the community members was to enhance park-host community relations, support some communities to improve local livelihood opportunities and development in ways that contribute to improved management effectiveness in Okomu National Park.

Sustainable agric practices

NCF through the livelihood alternative training delivered income generating items on poultry, fisheries and sustainable agricultural practices to selected local community members.

“This was done with the financial contribution of the European Union and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group of States through the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme.

The hands-on capacity building training for Park Rangers was to aid Rangers’ knowledge in the area of data collection, surveillance operations, nature interpretation, conflict resolution and effective protection of species within the Park.

Among the facilitators for the Rangers’ training were Prof. Shiiwua Manu, former Director of A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Jos; Prof. Gideon Emelue, professor of forest and wildlife management, University of Benin; Mr. Damola Ogunsesan, Project Manager, Lekki Conservation Centre; Mr. Stephen Aina, Species and Habitat Officer, NCF; and Mr. Joshua Dazi, Project Development Officer, NCF; and others.

Facilitators for the alternative livelihood enhancement training are Mr. Cole Henry Nosakhare, CEO of Osazemen Farms, Benin City; Mrs. Gladys Fayomi, a specialist in Non-Timber Forest Alternative; and Mr. Foluso Alege, fish farmer among others.

The week-long workshops were coordinated by Mr. Adedayo Memudu, BIOPAMA Programme Officer, NCF and ACP Innocent Asuquo, Head of Planning, Research & ICT, Okomu National Park.

The Okomu National Park is home to white-throated monkey, mona monkey, variety of duiker species, African forest elephants, hornbill, crocodile, African grey parrot; warthog; bats; and temitarium, among others.

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