BNRCC PILOT PROJECT- FISH POND FOR ESUK IDEBE AS AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD TO CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT
COASTAL LIFE INITIATIVE
(COLIN)
MISSION STATEMENT
BACKGROUND
Coastal life in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is one of the richest ecosystems in Nigeria. This ecosystem is sensitive, diverse and rich in biodiversity, other natural and human resources (oil, gas, fisheries, birds, mammals). Of particular importance is the mangrove wetlands which adorn the coastline, being inundated twice daily by water of the Atlantic. Presently, it is increasingly being threatened by various activities of man in the area.
The rich natural resource of this ecological zone sustains the local communities in terms of food and employment. It is also dynamic for ecotourism, research and education. Unfortunately, most of the dwellers are living in abject poverty, degraded environment and without any voice in policy making.
The resources on which their livelihood subsists are seriously depleted. The mangroves, the very bedrock of the existence of the aquatic resources have been over exploited or destroyed.
The implication is that colonization of the less profitable nypa palm has been encouraged, the coast-line has been exposed to erosion, the fisheries and other aquatic fauna have been reduced in diversity and abundance, while the direct users or beneficiaries (the actual neighbours) have been made more insecure and poorer, at the moment, leaving not much hope for posterity. Without restoration and conservation of mangroves and their ecosystems, future generations will inherit oceans without life. All over the world, community based initiatives are being encouraged because they have recorded greater successes and acceptability among the people. It is important to put in place community based organisations, which will educate the people, and work hand-in-hand for the common good of people and environment. This seems globally inevitable as the tripartite man, nature and future are inseparable. For this purpose, the Coastal Life Initiative has been born, to join hands with sister organizations worldwide to serve our environment, for the service of humanity.
MISSION
Coastal Life Initiative aims at environmental conservation and restoration (particularly mangroves), and empowering local communities towards healthy lifestyle, sustainable coastal resources utilization through education and people-oriented programmes.
OBJECTIVES
1. To educate the coastal dwellers on the need for conservation and protection of coastal resources including Fishes/Fishery resources, Mangroves, Beaches etc.
2. To check and control the proliferation of Nypa Palm as it affects the effective growth of Mangroves and beach development.
3. To check the excessive and indiscriminate felling of the mangroves through farming processes, industrial development, creation of harbour, bush fire, building of tourist hotels, timber exploitation, etc.
4. To engage in volunteer mangrove restoration of conservation in the Niger Delta.
5. To educate the coastal dwellers on the prevalence of the dreaded HIV/AIDS disease through campaigns, HIV/AIDS education awareness programmes, condom uses.
6. To educate the coastal dwellers on proper Family Planning processes through the application of Sex Education.
7. Building a friendly bridge between conflict prone communities. Enhancing peaceful co-existence of coastal communities through conflict resolution and conflict prevention initiatives.
8. Responding to coastal emergencies such as fire incidence, diseases outbreak, conflicts. Assisting in Refugee handling, provision of food, water, clothings, shelter and health materials.
9. To collaborate with other bodies, agencies, governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), nationally and internationally to achieve the above set objectives.
TARGET GROUP
Coastal communities, vulnerable members of the society ( women and Children), youths, fisherfolks and policy makers
ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
- Carried out mangrove survey in the Cross River Estuary (Cross River and Akwa Ibom States)
- Identified for the first time the delicate relationship between mangrove exploitation, nypa colonization and human population density.
- Proposed the establishment of mangrove park
- Proposed nypa utilization as most viable control method
- Identified and geolocated settlements on the coast of Cross River Estuary.
- Collaborated with local, national and international organizations on environmental conservation and management.
- Participated in many workshops and conferences on Biological Conservation and Wetlands Management.
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PLANS
- BNRCC Adaptation to Climate Pilot project with COLIN - In partnership with CERCOPAN and DIN
- To launch mangrove restoration (planting) project in the Niger Delta
- To transfer the Asian experience on the use of nypa palm (as alternative income source) to the local communities.
- To campaign against marginalization of women, child abuse, and STDs/HIV-AIDS
- To educate the local communities on the maintenance of healthy environment.
- To carry out poverty alleviation programmes.
- Documentation of mangrove and biodiversity of the region
- To introduce the concept of co-management for sustainability of the resources in the Niger Delta Region.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all nature-loving people of the region, international collaborators, professionals and community youth and women leaders.
CONSTRAINTS/AREAS OF ASSISTANCE
- Capacity building
- Exchange programmes
- Funds
- Materials (Computers, Photo & Video Cameras, Four-runner vehicle for accessibility of rural areas, outboard engine boats, etc)
- Linkages to and networking with International community (NGOs, Donor Agencies, Researchers, Scientists, etc).
We will welcome donations, invitations and visitations at any time. Coastal Life Initiative aims at touching the coastal dwellers more positively. Donate to encourage our activities.
ORGANOGRAM
Our organizational structure is as follows:
Advisory Board/Trustees-----------Executive Committee--------Members-------Volunteers
ACCOUNTING PROCESS:
The organization maintains an account with a Commercial Bank in Calabar, Cross River State, for the smooth operation of the organization and safe keeping of funds.
The Coordinator and Finance Officer are currently signatories to the accounts.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The following offices are recognized by the constitution and to be contested for by all bona fide members of the organization:
I. Coordinator – This is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization who is to oversee the smooth running of the organization and is a signatory to all bank accounts. The Coordinator is also the Secretary of the Advisory Board.
II. Deputy Coordinator – S/he is to assist the Coordinator in the day-to-day administration of the organization
III. Secretary – This officer is in charge of all secretarial matters and all vital records of the organization are to be kept by him or her. The officer is to take down all Minutes of meetings.
IV. Assistant Secretary – This officer is to assist the Secretary in his/her duty.
V. Treasurer/Finance Officer – This officer is to keep all accounting documents of the organization including all monies. S/he would also be a signatory to the organization bank account.
VI. PRO – This is the Chief image maker of the organization
VII. Resource Scientist/Advisor – This officer should be a Research Scientist who possibly is working with the Institute of Oceanography or Marine Institute within Nigeria.
ADVISORY BOARD:
A seven member Advisory Board is approved for the organization as follows:
i. Chief Edwin Usang (Chairman) – Ag. Executive Director, NGOCE, Calabar
ii. Jim Enright – Researcher from Thailand
iii. Dr. F Nwosu – Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Calabar.
iv. Sheila Wright – Researcher from Louisiana State in USA
v. Bar. Anthony Effiom (Legal matters)
vi. Prof. Hillary Amos – CEEST Personnel, Lowell Massachusetts, USA
vii. Edet Akpan (Secretary) – Coordinator, COLIN
Mangrove dilemma in Esuk Idebe, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
COASTAL LIFE INITIATIVE (COLIN),
INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY,
UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR
P.O.BOX 3542, CALABAR,
CROSS RIVER STATE,
NIGERIA. 540001
Phone: +2348038355564
+2348033950108
Email: coastallife02@yahoo.com
Website: coastalinitiative.yolasite.com
