CALABAR—Cross River State Government has signed the state’s Forestry Commission bill into law. This is considered a major step towards the sustenance and strategic management of the vast forest reserves in the state. Governor Liyel Imoke signed the bill into law after it was passed by the state House of Assembly.

According to the Governor, the document will provide the legal framework for the sustenance of the forest and eco-system in the state, which holds about 60% of the total forest reserve in the country, adding that the state considers its commitment to forest conservation as a call to national duty.

“Indeed, we are putting in place a forest strategy that will make an effective contribution to poverty reduction, job creation, environmental conservation and also central to attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

The law will ensure that the communities, who have over the years partnered with us in conservation, enjoy the benefits that accrue from such parnership,” Imoke said.

The law empowers the Forestry Commission to regulate the activities of ministries, parastatals, local government areas, departments, organisations, statutory bodies, as they relate to forest and forest resources and wildlife conservation issues in the state.

It will also establish links with relevant national and international regulatory policy making and funding bodies for the benefit of bio-diversity conservation and sustainable forestry in the state. The Commission is also to ensure a sound wildlife and forest management within Cross River State.