March 28, (THEWILL) – In a move to preserve the abundant wildlife existing in the rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon, arrangements have been concluded for a Memorandum of Understanding between both countries.
As part of the arrangement, a transboundary world heritage site will be created by both countries where chimpanzees, Gorillas, Elephants and Lions native to the region will be commonly protected.
The aim of this is to ensure that these rare species of animals are preserved to forestall their extinction.
The Wildlife Conservation Society disclosed this in Calabar, during a stakeholders’ workshop on Watershed Protection for Safe Sustainable Water Supply sponsored by USAID.
Dr Inaoyom Imong, a senior personnel of the group, said top experts from countries have already fine-tuned preparations towards the site.
He disclosed that the heritage site will strengthen cooperation between the two countries, adding that it will enable them to achieve joint conservation goals.
“The World Heritage Site will strengthen transboundary efforts between Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Transboundary cooperation will make conservation more effective and reduce costs.
“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 them.”
Imong called for greater management and strengthening of laws to enforce the protected areas so as to discourage incessant infiltration into, as well as attacks on the wildlife there.
He advocated for support for the prosecution of violators, as well as the creation of a code of conduct for forest rangers.
The workshop, he said, has helped to keep stakeholders abreast with the international dimensions which the trade in Wildlife has assumed including methodologies to tackle them.
According to him, they are now providing livelihood support to the local community in the forest areas to stem widespread poverty, and also dissuade them from invading protected areas for food.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
