Inception of PPI Coalition for the Okomu Landscape
On Wednesday November 30, 2022, NISCOPS Nigeria organized an inception workshop for coalition of actors for management of the Okomu forest landscape (PPI compact). The inception of this coalition which held in Benin City is built on consultations with actors in the landscape, including government agencies, private sector and communities. 41 communities were visited during the consultations, through which the actors expressed their interest to participate in a coalition that will achieve common good for all, especially as regards to livelihoods, environmental sustainability and social-economic stability within the landscape.
The Okomu forest reserve located in Edo State, Nigeria, is known for its rich biodiversity and enormous forest resources. Till date, Okomu is host to the white-throated monkey (a rare species in West Africa) as well as elephants and other endangered species of animals and plants. In addition, not less than 41 communities derive livelihoods within this forest landscape, mainly through farming activities (tree crops and other food crops). There are private sector companies investing in Oil palm and Rubber plantations, with some potential identified for investment in cocoa, grown mainly by the famous “migrant farmers”.
The workshop was well attended by actors in the landscape. Participants include private sector companies in the Okomu forest landscape, representatives of 41 communities and major traditional rulers (Chiefs) from the area, government agencies (including the Local Government (Jurisdictional) authority, Edo State Ministries of Environment; Agriculture & food security; Budget & planning; Water resources; the Edo State Oil Palm Program and the Forestry commission). The Okomu National Park Service and an environmental NGO - Africa Nature Investors (ANI) were also present. The State government was represented by the Governor himself alongside the deputy governor and commissioners of ministries. To achieve this landmark event, a planning committee was set up, led by the State Forestry commission.
During the workshop, there were presentations on: The forest and agricultural resources in the landscape; The Green Growth Plan (GGP) for Oil palm landscapes in the state, facilitated by IDH and the PPI Compact framework.
One of the high moments of the event was a formal presentation of Policy and Advocacy briefs to the State Governor. These briefs were developed by the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) supported by IDH, which has identified some issues affecting oil palm production that require policy actions and awareness for action. The briefs presented focused on improving Oil palm smallholders’ access to finance, improving access of smallholders and investors to Oil palm production laws and improving access to land titles among smallholders.
The Governor of Edo State gave a speech which expressed the state’s full commitment to the coalition and emphasized the need for sustainable management of the forest and improved livelihoods in the Okomu landscape.
An Implementation committee was constituted to oversee the activities of the compact as jointly agreed by the actors. There was an endorsement of the PPI framework and expression of willingness to participate by all actors present. The signing of MOU is envisaged to hold after the Nigeria general elections coming up in February/March 2023.
Some media reports of the event are provided below
Media%20publications/Guardian%20on%20Okomu%20Landscape%20Inception%20Workshop.pdf
At a one-day workshop for the... - Governor Godwin Obaseki | Facebook