Fishers in Cross River State have raised the alarm over shrinking daily catches, severe water pollution, and the rapid disappearance of vital mangrove forests along coastal communities.
The development is severely threatening local livelihoods and food security in the region, according to details emerging from recent community advocacy sessions held in the state.
To combat these mounting environmental challenges, civil society organisations including the Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) have stepped in to train local community members. The capacity-building initiatives are designed to equip fishers with the skills needed to systematically document environmental infractions, defend their communal rights, and demand accountability from relevant corporate and government stakeholders.
Threats to Coastal Livelihoods and Ecosystems
Coastal settlements in Cross River rely heavily on artisanal fishing and the preservation of natural aquatic habitats for economic survival. However, participants at the recent engagements noted that industrial encroachment, unregulated waste disposal, and ongoing mangrove deforestation have drastically depleted fish stocks.
Mangroves serve as essential breeding grounds for numerous fish species and act as natural buffers against coastal erosion. The steady loss of these ecosystems has accelerated environmental degradation, leaving many households struggling to sustain their primary source of income.
Community leaders and environmental advocates emphasized that documentation of these ecological threats is a critical first step toward seeking legal remedies and compelling regulatory agencies to enforce environmental protection laws across the Niger Delta region.
The training sessions concluded with participants mapping out community-led monitoring frameworks to track ongoing pollution incidents and report destructive activities to state authorities for prompt intervention.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
