Project Materials

THE ROLE OF NGOs IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OKWANGWO RANGE OF CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Wildlife conservation is the process of preventing individual wild animal species, or even entire groups, from becoming extinct on a regional or global scale. Nigeria is endowed with a diverse range of ecosystems and species, yet the conservation of these resources remains risky.

The National Parks constructed and managed by the Federal Government under the exclusive legal list are intended to improve the protection of endangered species, stimulate scientific study, increase educational knowledge, and promote ecotourism.

National parks in Nigeria have had minimal success in enforcing conservation. Aside from the formation of reserves, parks, and sanctuaries to safeguard landscapes, game, animals, flora, cultural and scientific sites, no tangible measures have been made to address the existing and growing issue of indigenous peoples’ land and resource alienation.

This carelessness jeopardises the goal of conservation and the integrity of protected areas. To address this potential threat, the federal government should move beyond fortress conservation and incorporate conservation into rural development.

This includes recognising indigenous historical rights over protected lands and working with locals to manage national parks located in underdeveloped communities.

Economic growth and development are limited in protected regions. To create harmony between nature and society, the state should include and increase conservation into growth.

Park partnerships or collaborations should include the provision of non-agroforestry livelihood alternatives to lessen local reliance on the forest.

The provision of funds by the state and international organisations to retrain locals in sustainable agriculture, social development in areas such as spatial development, education, and health care delivery will encourage local communities to collaborate with the park by providing skilled and semi-skilled security labour within protected areas.

Non-governmental organisations are mainly or completely autonomous of the government, and they exist for a number of reasons, most notably to advance the political or social interests of its members or donors.

They serve as charitable or religious organisations, mobilise private funds for development initiatives and programs, raise awareness and influence policies in accordance with the ideals of democracy and good governance, and carry out a variety of humanitarian projects to improve the lives of the grassroots.

Examples include enhancing the national environment, supporting human rights adherence, increasing the welfare of the underprivileged, or expressing a business objective.