Community

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Community Rainforest Conservation
CERCOPAN has one of the most successful community rainforest conservation programs in the country, and has been working with Iko Esai since 1999. There are many components which contributed to the success of this program, but one of the most important is establishing mutual trust and respect, and putting in place economic incentives through training, establishing royalties and community development funds, and employment. Located in Iko Esai community forest 90 kilometres north of Calabar, Iko Esai depends on the forests for much of their livelihood, particularly the disadvantaged poor.

In 2000, an agreement was signed between Iko Esai chiefs' council, youth and women leaders, and CERCOPAN to help conserve this forest in a unique partnership. Through this agreement, over 12,000 hectares of community forests are protected by the community, and CERCOPAN is also assisting the community to manage a Community Conservation and Development Fund, managed by a democratically elected committee. Along with employment and forest conservation benefits our community programme provides tangible and immediate benefits to the entire village.

 Primary Goals of Community Engagement

  • Assist in developing sustainable alternative livelihoods and micro-credit schemes
  • Support the Iko Esai Forest Management Committee with training and advice
  • Support and train the Community Conservation and Development Committee, who manage the corresponding fund provided by CERCOPAN
  • Facilitate the development of a land use management plan
  • Raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues in the community through environmental education programmes
  • Support the community in their efforts to combat illegal logging, and protect their untarred access road from tractor damage

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Sustainable Livelihoods Programme
In 2006 CERCOPAN started a sustainable livelihoods program in Iko Esai, and worked with the youth association to identify and sponsor 6 youth (3 men and 3 women) in alternative livelihood apprenticeships (driving, sewing, baking); trained and sponsored 5 hunters in snail farming, including developing a demonstration snail farm located at the Rhoko Education Centre, and finally has worked with the women’s group to lead a bread baking workshop and workshop about starting a small business.

Recognition for CERCOPAN and the Community Leaders
In October 2006, the traditional rulers of the Iko Esai community were recognized by the Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, in a special ceremony which highlighted their contribution to conservation. This recognition was a first for the State, of which both CERCOPAN and Iko Esai are extremely proud.