Pics of some of the rangers at the newly inaugurated outpost

An initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining, poaching, habitat destruction, and addressing the impacts of climate change within Gashaka National Park in both Taraba and Adamawa states has no doubt begun to yield positive results.

This was observed yesterday when a new ranger outpost, designed to curb illegal mining, poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, among other challenges within the park, was inaugurated by the African Nature Investors (ANI).

The new outpost, which The Guardian noticed is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is located in the northern sector of the park in Tungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

It would be recalled that about twenty-two illegal miners were recently reported dead following the collapse of a mining pit at an illegal mining site located within the area.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Director of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Tunde Morakinyo, highlighted illegal mining as a major issue facing the park.

He expressed optimism that the new outpost will enhance ranger efforts to deter illegal mining activities within the protected areas.

Morakinyo also urged the federal government to take immediate action to shut down illegal mining operations in the region, stressing the link between illegal mining and increased criminal activity.

He also called for a collaborative effort to address the challenge, stressing that combating these activities is now more critical than ever.

Also, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas, who spoke through the Conservator General of the Park, Ibrahim Goni, observed that the outpost, constructed by ANI, is not just a milestone in the preservation of natural heritage but also a testament to what can be achieved when partnerships are forged for a common purpose.

The minister admitted that “our nation has faced unprecedented challenges in protecting our rich biodiversity,” noting that these challenges have been exacerbated by “poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and, more recently, general security issues resulting from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, among others.”

Like Morakinyo, he urged the host communities to extend the much-desired hands of friendship to ANI, the rangers, and other staff of the park to combat all the vices affecting the park.

Supporting the positions of both Morakinyo and the minister, the first-class traditional ruler of the emirate and the Chairman of the Adamawa State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who also doubles as the council boss of Toungo, vowed not to go to bed with both eyes closed until the issues around the park are addressed.

Applauding the efforts of ANI and the management of the National Park Service, some members of the community, who highlighted the advantages that would be derived from protecting the park, told The Guardian how several youths from the communities have been gainfully employed and how others, including women, have been empowered.