Okomu National Park Set for EU, NCF Boost

Okomu National Park Set for EU, NCF Boost

Okomu National Park is set for massive capacity building by the EU and NCF.

In a bid to maximize tourism offerings and boost efficiency for the Okomu National Park, Edo State, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with National Park Service is organizing a capacity building workshop for Park Rangers, in Okomu National Park between 1st and 5th March, 2021.

THECONSCIENCE reports that the training will be sponsored by the European Union and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group of States through the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme.

As part of the initiative, the NCF will also hold a workshop on Alternative Livelihoods Enhancement for selected local community members of Okomu.

In a statement by the NCF Director General, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, received by THECONSCIENCE, and signed by NCF Head of Communication, Oladapo Soneye, the NCF said it will also donate critical field and surveillance equipment to Okomu National Park to enhance its logistical and operational capacities on protection, biodiversity conservation and Ecotourism development.

“The hands-on capacitybuilding trainings for Park Rangers is to aid Rangers’ knowledge in the area ofdata collection, surveillance operations, nature interpretation, conflict resolution and effective protection of species within the Park.

“NCF through the trainings will be delivering income generating items on poultry, fisheries and sustainable agricultural practices to the selected local community members.

The training being organised for the community members is to enhance park-host community relations,support some communities to improve local livelihoodopportunities and development in ways that contribute to improved management effectiveness in Okomu National Park.” the statement said.

According to Aminu-Kano, “the objectives of the project include enhancementof the management and governance of priority Protected Areas (PA) by addressing existing limitations; enforce the legal framework required to achieve effective biodiversity conservation in PAs; support local communities’ initiatives aiming to enhance the livelihoods of local people whilst effectivelycontributing to PA management.

“The trainings will eventually increase PA capacity to protect species,improveinfrastructural facilitiesand revenue generation.

Likewise, it will help development and improve livelihoods of the community members and securityeir support for the Park and environment.”

He added that: “The trainees will be fully equipped with walkie-talkie, binoculars, GPS, drone, computers, new uniforms, patrol motorcycleand more.

“When you know what to do, your capacity on the given task is properly built, and you are willing to set the ball rolling, the rate of failure would be very minimal.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is the foremost environmental NGO in Nigeria with a focus on promoting nature conservation and sustainable development.

For four decades, NCF has managed some forest reserves and project facilities across the nation.

It has also dedicated its efforts in developing capacity for foresters, conservation club coordinators and other personnel.