By Balimwor Ekpe
The commissioner for Tourism,Arts and Culture in Cross River State, Hon.Chief Robert Abubakar Ewa has said there is need to inject a new vision in the tourism sector of the state, that will bring in traffic to the state and create value chains in the communities and as such Eco- Tourism is the end point.
The commissioner made the statement earlier today, during a meeting with environmental and conservation society experts in the state, where he charged them to partner with the ministry to develop an Eco- Tourism policy for Cross River State.
There is need to inject a new vision in the tourism sector of the state that will bring in traffic and create value chains in the communities, and Eco-Tourism is the end point. we have a lot of contents in Cross River State that if properly utilized would enhance tourism strive, that is why I called you as foundation drivers of environmental protection in Cross River State to help partner with the Government of C’River State to come up with a tourism policy on Eco -Tourism because Cross River State has species of animals that are not found in any other part of world’ but people keep killing them which is why there is need to come up with a standard policy that will safeguard the animals and our environment.” the commissioner stated.
He further mentioned that the economy of many countries is sustained by tourism as a result of their appropriate conservation approach which is lacking in Cross River State.
The environmental conservation officials applauded the commissioner for his proactive approach towards developing tourism drive in the State, said Cross River needs to ensure sustainable development with the forest through Eco-Tourism. the experts refered to Cross River as a bio diversity hotspot with numerous tour sites that includes the longest canopy walk way in Africa.
The officials who included directors from the Wcs, Ngoce, padnellus, the dean of Environmental science dept Unical and a representative from the Cross River National Park all frowned at the incessant wood logging, mining, and hunting activities that have destroyed the natural assets for development of the state. Said considering the background of Cross River State, tourism should be taken seriously, but unfortunately community empowerment and education on forest conservation which is no longer practiced has led to deterioration in the State tourism sector.
They stated that, possible solutions to enhance tourism activities in the state includes, good road network, security, easy immigration access and lots more, while assuring the commissioner of the readiness to partner with Cross River State Government to develop an Eco-Tourism policy for the state.
The commissioner applauded the environmental conservation officers and assured them of partnership with the Government of Cross River State for more valuable tourism drive, while calling for consciousness on Cross Riverians to embrace Eco-Tourism.
