Kingsley Akpabio Essien
University of Uyo, Nigeria
Title: Biodiversity exploitation and the economic survival of the local community of Eket: A threat to the conservation of ‘Akai Edoho’ Idua-Eket, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Kingsley Akpabio Essien
Abstract
Eket is an oil city in Nigeria and home to one of the major oil explorers in the country, Exxon-Mobil. The area has been experiencing deforestation for purposes of urbanization and other infrastructural developments including oil exploitation. Th e influence of the oil industry has very strong consequences on the environment and the economic demands of the local communities around, leading to increase in the exploitation of the forest. ‘Akai Edoho’ in Idua clan, Eket is fortunate to have restrictions arising from traditional injunction as a protected forest. The forest is rich plants and animals; some are on the IUCL conservation list. Exploitation of this forest has been going on for decades. Th is report covers the biodiversity status, the level of exploitation and the conservation challenges over the forest.
