A civil society organisation (CSO), We the People, has stressed the need for the Cross River’s mangrove forests to be fully protected under the state’s forestry laws.
Mr. Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of the organisation, made the call in Calabar on Monday, March 2, 2026, while reacting to the recommended review of the Cross River State Forestry Law, 2010.
It will be recalled that, in the last eight months, 19 environmental protection CSOs led by the organisation came together to review the Cross River Forestry Law 2010 and recommended stronger laws to protect the forests within the state.
Henshaw noted that mangroves were forests and not rainforests, and therefore should enjoy equal legal status and protection under the Forestry Commission framework.
He acknowledged challenges of mangrove forest protection such as firewood exploitation, but added that conservation rules must apply adequately to mangrove ecosystems.
According to him, community participation is embedded within procedures guiding forest reservation and management.
“The reviewed forestry law of the state enables the Forestry Commission to designate forests as reserves with stakeholder engagement.
“It introduced reforms supporting individuals and organisations seeking to restore degraded forests, particularly mangroves without bureaucratic bottlenecks.”
Henshaw explained that previous laws only recognised regeneration tied to future logging concessions, requiring 10-year management plans and heavy upfront payments.
He said that the recommended review of the Forestry Law created a category for conservation-driven restoration without logging intentions.
”Under the new framework, groups restoring mangroves need only submit management proposals for Forestry Commission approval.
”Once approved, such mangrove areas gain official protection, preventing illegal sales or encroachment by host communities.
“Following the reviewed law, restoration projects will now operate under the commission’s protection instead of relying solely on community goodwill.
“Also, the reform strengthens legal backing for mangrove conservation and shields restored areas from exploitation,” Henshaw said.
By Christian Njoku