Nigeria and Cameroon are believed to be planning to establish a world heritage site for the protection of endangered species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, lions and elephants native to both countries. Dr Inaoyom Imong, the director of Cross River Landscape for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), disclosed this on 27 March 2023 in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. It was at a workshop on Watershed Protection for Safe Sustainable Water Supply.

The workshop is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It aims to educate Nigerians on the need to protect its wildlife. According to Imong, rare species indigenous to both countries are very few in their numbers in Africa, hence the need to protect them through the establishment of the site.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), would soon be signed by the Presidents of the countries, adding that the site would help both nations achieve joint conservation goals. 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, he said.

He appealed for the strengthening and enforcement of laws against attacks on wildlife and incessant infiltration into protected forests. He also called for support for the prosecution of violators as well as the creation of a code of conduct for forest rangers.

He further said that WCS recently had a workshop for officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA) and Nigeria Customs Service in Calabar in that regard.

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, he said.

There are about 257 natural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 218 sites recognised for their natural value and 39 mixed sites.

The World Heritage Convention is one of the most successful international instruments to protect the most extraordinary natural places on the planet, characterised by their natural beauty or outstanding biodiversity, ecosystem and geological values.

The Convention has provided international recognition to around 3,500,000 km2 (more than the size of India) in over 250 terrestrial and marine sites across more than 100 countries.

Culled from NAN, with additional reporting.

Meiza Nigeria