UNDP Trains 150 Forest Conservation Personnel In Rivers

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commenced the training of over 150 community forest conservation personnel in Andoni Local Government Area.
The programme was part of the United Nations Development, Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GCF) Niger Delta Biodiversity conservation programme.
The trainees were drawn from 11 communities in Andoni.
The communities are; Ngo, Ilotombi, Agwut-Oboto and Agama II.
The rest are; Egwede, Agana I, Unyengala, Ekede, Asuk Oyet, Asuk-Ama, Ikuru Town, Okoroboile and Agbama.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says, it will work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the creation of an elephant cluster in Andoni.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers States Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Kindness N. Egbelu disclosed this while declaring open the training at Ngo headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area.
Mrs. Egbelu said that the government is aware of the huge economic benefits the state will derive from the project.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of forestry in the Ministry Mrs Nkemdirim E. Odoya said that, the crowded nature of Port Harcourt City, has offered the government an opportunity to tap the rich forest resources of Andoni for the development of eco tourism.
According to her, the Andoni coastline and the huge elephant forest is a multi-billion naira enterprise that will change the economic landscape of the state and regretted why previous administrations had ignored it.
Also speaking the chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon. Paul Lawrence Paul, thanked UNDP for the project.
Hon. Paul said that the council will provide the enabling environment for the take-off of the project.
Also speaking, the Consultant, Gavic Venture Limited, Mr. Raymond Enuwaonye said that, the training was to equip the participants with the tools of ensuring that Elephants in the Andoni forest are presented for generations unborn.
Mr. Enuwaonye also said that, the creation of Elephant Cluster in the area will lead to the economic empowerment of the people.