For many communities along the coastline in Cross River state, Nigeria, the mangrove forest serves as a major source of income, mainly through wood logging for firewood and timber for construction.
However, the forest needs to be protected and sustained so it stays productive for the long term. United Purpose is helping with this. We have created a new project that is helping local communities understand the importance of conservation, understand how to undertake this conversation themselves, and shows them alternatives ways to secure income that is less reliant on the forest.
The Integrated Mangrove Forest Management and Livelihoods in Nigeria project is supporting 15 communities in the mangrove forest in Cross River State (six in Akpabuyo, six in Odukpani and three in Calabar South). The project will ensure community-led, collective action is taken to reverse the loss of habitat and preserve biodiversity, while also sustaining local livelihoods.