UniCal to establish mangrove restoration, research park

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal) Prof. Offiong Offiong, has pledged the institution’s support for a proposed mangrove restoration and research park.

Offiong made the pledged when members of the Biodiversity Rescue Club, led by Prof. Pauline Essoka, paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday in Calabar.

He described the proposed restoration and conservation of mangrove forests along the coast as timely and significant, given the growing environmental challenges.

The vice chancellor said the university welcomed initiatives that promoted environmental sustainability, research, innovation and community development.

According to him, partnerships between academic institutions and environmental organisations can provide practical and sustainable solutions to ecological challenges confronting society.

On his part, Mr Okon Adagbor, Executive Director, Biodiversity Rescue Club, warned that continued deforestation and degradation of mangroves could threaten food security and the wider forest ecosystem.

Adagbor said the club was established to rescue plants and animals in endangered ecosystems, restore degraded environments and support local ecosystem recovery, through practical conservation projects.

He explained that the proposed mangrove restoration project formed part of the club’s broader efforts to protect endangered ecosystems and promote sustainable environmental practices.

The club’s executive director further stated that mangroves provided habitats for several species, maintained ecological balance and protected coastal environments from degradation.

He added that the project would go beyond tree planting, as coastal communities would be sensitised on mangrove protection, conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Similarly, Mr James Ikpi, UniCal’s Director of Physical Planning, said preparations for establishing the park had reached an advanced stage.

Ikpi said stakeholders had conducted several site visits to identify a suitable location within the university, adding that about 3,000 red mangroves would be planted in the initial phase.

He noted that the park would serve as a hub for mangrove restoration, biodiversity research, environmental education, monitoring and practical learning.

According to him, the initiative will also strengthen collaboration on carbon innovation and sustainable development.