Deforestation in Obubra Local Government Area: The Challenges before the Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Commission

Abstract

There is no gainsaying the fact that our environment is facing the greatest challenge ever in its long history; and many are forced to believe that human activities are a major cause of the climate change and global warming, which may have catastrophic consequences for the climate and the environment. For instance, rising temperatures could intensify storms, floods and droughts. Rising temperatures may also foster the spread of diseases by enabling mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-carrying organisms, including fungi, to spread. According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist, “the dangers posed by climate change are nearly as dire as those posed by nuclear weapons; and the effects may be less dramatic now, but over the next three to four decades, climate change could cause irremediable harm to the habitats upon which human societies depend for survival”. What do all these portend for our local environment? What benefits could be derived from the recently formed anti-deforestation commission and the planned House of Assembly Bill on Deforestation in Cross River State? This paper seeks to assess the effect of deforestation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State taking into consideration the state policy on deforestation. It is hoped that the outcome of this presentation will assist stakeholders and government alike in fashioning out a sustainable policy for curbing the effects of deforestation and the rate at which our natural forests are being deforested.

Key Words:        Deforestation; Obubra; Challenges; Forestry Commission; Cross River State; Nigeria