Greening the Grassroots: Experiencing Community Conservation Conversations in Calabar
Walking through the streets of Calabar, I could but imagine what had happened to a place once tagged Nigeria’s cleanest city, I would say my hope was almost dashed. Asides very important government offices and working space, the city I would posit has lost some rights to be addressed as such. There were sites of unpacked refuse littered around popular places in the city, decaying dumps close to the popular Marian market and poor management of ornamental trees planted to give Calabar a serene and hygienic look suitable for a modern city. In my dissatisfaction about the management of the greenery around the city met I a community of indigenes of Cross River State determine to return the serenity and greenery of the State.
Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Calabar, the Marian Hotel became a hub of hope and action on the 25th of October 2023, as the Cross Riverians in Diaspora (Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity Committee) hosted a landmark event. The occasion? The formal inauguration of the Environmental Sustainability Club and a spirited discussion on the challenges, responsibilities, and solutions surrounding the precious biodiversity of Cross River State.
Stepping into the comfort of the venue, one was immediately struck by the infectious energy. Attendees, a diverse mix of local youth, diaspora representatives, and passionate environmentalists, buzzed with anticipation. The names of attendees was taken and tees of various partners and foundations were given to attendees.
Local partners such as the Biakwan Light Green Initiative, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Biodiversity Rescue Club, Boki Conservation Foundation, Deeproot International Academy, Mose Andishu Foundation and Gina Life Care Initiative; helped put this together. It was a beautiful site to behold.
The event kicked off with the National anthem and a speech from the State Government delivered by Dr Hippolatus Lukpata; Commissioner for International Donor Coordination representing the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Peter Odey. The Diasporans were not left out as they were represented by Mr Justin Udie who was impressed to see the locals as enthusiastic towards
biodiversity in the State.
The discussion took center stage, tackling the delicate balance between development and conservation in Cross River. Speakers, both local and international, painted a vivid picture of the state’s challenges – deforestation, the dangers of open defecation, climate change, and unsustainable practices threatening the very ecosystems that sustain them. Yet, amidst the concerns, hope bloomed. Local activists shared inspiring stories of reforestation initiatives, community education programs, and collaborative efforts with indigenous communities. The diaspora, too, offered expertise and resources, bridging the gap between continents and aspirations.
But the most powerful voices belonged to the youth and locals. With a maturity beyond their years and insights beyond their locality, they spoke of their responsibility to protect their natural heritage. They challenged not just governments and corporations, but their own peers, urging them to embrace sustainable practices and become agents of change. Their words resonated, a testament to the transformative power of education and engagement.
The event also marked the official inauguration of the Environmental Sustainability Club. As young hands clutched certificates, their eyes glittered with a newfound sense of purpose. This wasn’t just a club; it was a promise, a commitment to become stewards of their vibrant homeland.
Leaving the Marian Hotel, I carried within me not just the echoes of passionate voices and the vibrant tapestry of the discussions, but a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Witnessing the passion of the youth, the dedication of the diaspora, and the unwavering spirit of the Cross Riverians, I knew that even the smallest steps, taken together, could make a world of difference.
As an NYSC Corper representing Service Innovation CDS here in Calabar, my journey here is just beginning, but the lessons learned and connections forged at the Marian Hotel will forever enrich my service.
Service Innovation CDS group, fueled by its desire in bridging gaps, sparking change and delivering service innnovatively, has also partnered with Cross Riverians in Diaspora (CRID) to educate Calabar’s students about the mesmerizing Aldrovanda vesiculosa, also known as the "waterwheel plant". At Kourkly’s secondary school, interactive workshops peeled back the layers of this aquatic predator, revealing its mesmerizing trapping mechanisms and crucial role in the ecosystem.
Witnessing the waterwheel plant’s lightning-fast capture of unsuspecting prey sparked curiosity and ignited a passion for ecology in the young minds. It also held an outreach program in commemoration of the UNESCO World Teacher’s day at Special Needs Education Centre secondary school saw empathy and innovation blossom as Service Innovation CDS, aided by CRID, tailored the experience. Using tactile elements and engaging sensory activities, they not only educated but also fostered inclusivity, ensuring every student could join the captivating dance of predator and prey. This impactful collaboration wasn’t just about Aldrovanda vesiculosa; it was about fostering wonder, sparking environmental awareness, and celebrating the beauty of biodiversity, accessible to all.
The story of biodiversity in Cross River is far from over, but I leave knowing that there are countless hands, both local and across borders, reaching out to safeguard its future. My NYSC journey may have led me to Cross River, but it has also led me to a larger movement, a collective chorus of voices rising in defense of our precious planet. And in that chorus, I am proud to find my own voice, joining the symphony of hope for a greener, more sustainable future for all in the People’s Paradise.