COP17: Cross River Lawmaker Demands Stronger Laws To Save Nigeria’s Forests, Wildlife
By JULIET EKANEM
COP17 Experience Exposes Policy Gaps
CROSS River State House of Assembly member Martins Achadu says his participation in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 in Mongolia has exposed serious gaps in Nigeria’s environmental policies.
Achadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Matters, said the conference had shown him how stronger legislation, enforcement and state participation could improve land restoration and biodiversity protection.
PT: How has your participation at COP17 been so far? Is this your first COP?
Achadu: Yes, this is my first COP, and I am very impressed by the presentations. I have participated in the relevant sessions, particularly those dealing with issues affecting my state.
I come from a rainforest region with heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding, erosion and landslides remain major concerns. I deliberately followed discussions around those issues to gain practical knowledge on how to address them.
I also participated in sessions on environmental financing. I held meetings with relevant stakeholders and, overall, Mongolia has been a valuable experience.
Lessons From India
PT: Looking at Mongolia and Cross River State, what are the major lessons you are taking home?
Achadu: We have several loopholes and setbacks in our legislation. The case studies presented here showed me that many environmental successes are rooted in strong policies.
Take mining, for example. In Nigeria, the Federal Government has significant authority over mining licences. Communities may participate through agreements, but the state does not exercise the same level of control I observed in India.
In India, states participate extensively when the central government proposes mining or agricultural activities. The state examines the investor and evaluates the proposed project against its environmental policies.
If a project fails to meet those standards, the state can reject it. That is different from what happens in Nigeria.
The Indian system also involves continuous monitoring after approval. Officials assess whether companies continue to comply with environmental requirements.
I obtained copies of some of their laws and intend to study them. We cannot expect the results achieved elsewhere if we refuse to adopt the policies that produced those results.
Why Cross River Came to COP17
PT: What prompted you and other Cross River representatives to attend COP17?
Achadu: The motivation came from the kind of governor we have. When you see your leader thinking outside the box, it encourages you to do the same.
When flooding and landslides affected Calabar, I felt it was the right time to attend COP17. The conference theme on restoring land and hope directly connected with Cross River’s situation.
We are dealing with land loss, displacement and destruction of investments. I discussed the idea with Governor Bassey Otu, and he supported it.
The Clerk of the House and I therefore came as a balanced legislative and technical team. From the moment we arrived, we understood that we were on assignment. We took notes at every relevant session because we have to return home and report what we learnt.
Illegal Logging & Forest Protection
PT: Cross River has rich biodiversity, yet illegal logging remains visible. What lesson are you taking home?
Achadu: Since this administration came into office, it has tried to align the state with environmental policies. I cannot speak for previous administrations, but Governor Otu has shown awareness of the need to protect the environment for future generations.
PT: What is the state of logging in Cross River?
Achadu: The state is trying to revive the system and correct past wrongs. I commend the governor for his efforts.
Recently, the administration massively recruited forest rangers to help curb illegal activities in the forests.
COP17 as a Policy Classroom
PT: Does participating in COP17 mean anything to you and Cross River?
Achadu: I describe COP as a university. You cannot remain at home and acquire an experience that you have never exposed yourself to.
For me, Nigeria is late. If Cross River had consistently participated in forums of this magnitude, some of the losses we are experiencing might have been prevented.
COP exposes you to what other countries are doing. It provides corrective measures and shows you the potential of resources that may have been undermined.
There should be no major COP dealing with biodiversity, land restoration or related environmental issues that Cross River should stay away from.
Legislative Action on Biodiversity
PT: As a legislator, what specifically do you intend to do when you return?
Achadu: First, we must review our environmental policies. Where policies have become obsolete, we need to update them.
We must also examine biodiversity-management laws and determine how to strengthen them. However, legislation alone will not solve the problem. Enforcement remains critical.
Cross River has gorillas, yet we have not sufficiently presented them as a major heritage asset. I intend to examine how legislation can make the state more conscious of protecting these species and using them responsibly to attract conservation financing.
My experience at COP17 has sent me back to school. I have to study more so I can contribute meaningfully to the House.
Protecting Elephants & Communities
PT: Cross River also has elephants facing threats from biodiversity loss and human activity. What lessons can be applied?
Achadu: Biodiversity loss is a global issue, so every region must examine its contribution to the problem.
Cross River holds a significant portion of Nigeria’s remaining rainforest. Elephants are present in its forests and have increasingly moved into areas occupied by humans.
PT: Doesn’t that create the risk of conflict with communities?
Achadu: That is where legislation and effective management become important.
Communities need alternative livelihoods. If people who might hunt wildlife can earn income through other activities, pressure on endangered species will decline.
We also need stronger laws. Killing an endangered animal should attract serious consequences.
Where elephants destroy crops, affected communities should have a mechanism for making claims and receiving appropriate support. Compensation and community protection are better solutions than killing wildlife.
Seeking Investment & Support
PT: You also came to woo investors for Cross River. How is that going?
Achadu: We met investors and development partners. However, investors must align their activities with national interests.
We also met the Minister of Environment and presented our proposals. He promised to follow up. We discussed the NEWMAP project, but I explained that Cross River’s current erosion crisis has expanded beyond the existing intervention.
The erosion fingers have spread, and existing funding may no longer cover the scale of damage. We need additional intervention.
We also met the World Bank Country Director and other stakeholders. Their responses were positive.
Our message was not limited to erosion. We explored investment opportunities in agriculture and water management. We have contacts from these meetings and will begin formal discussions when we return home.
Funding Must Follow Environmental Priorities
PT: Is environmental funding adequate in Nigeria and Cross River?
Achadu: I may not be in the best position to assess the entire funding system, but every government should make the environment a priority.
For Cross River, I believe the governor is moving in the right direction. At the national level, the presence of the Environment Minister at COP17 also shows that the issue is receiving attention.
With appropriate budgetary provisions and timely releases, environmental challenges can be addressed before they become overwhelming.
‘Nigeria Must Take Land Seriously’
PT: Finally, what is your message from Mongolia to Nigeria?
Achadu: My message is one of hope. I am optimistic about the negotiations and the possibilities ahead.
Nigeria must take land issues seriously because wealth comes from land. Even health depends on the quality of the land and environment.
I have learnt a great deal at COP17, and I intend to transfer that knowledge to Cross River and contribute to stronger environmental policy at home.
