By Veronica Dariya
The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) on Saturday set out to showcase and promote the Gashaka-Gumti National Park and Mambila Plateau in Taraba state.
The Director General of the foundation, Mrs Malame Mangzha, on Saturday said that the foundation, its partners as well as volunteers were ready to begin a five days event at the sites to promote its rich, natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the sidelines of an Awareness Walk for the programme, Mangzha said that, the initiative, which focused on conserving both sites in the state, will also showcase partners commitment and efforts to heritage preservation.
“We are immensely grateful to the people of Taraba State for being gracious hosts and for creating a conducive environment for this important program to thrive.
“Your state’s unique biodiversity, cultural richness, and the warm hospitality of your people makes it an ideal location for this initiative.
” Our volunteers have come from various parts of the country and beyond, united by a shared passion for preserving our natural heritage and contributing to sustainable development.
“Their dedication and hard work will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Gashaka Gumti National Park and the Mambila Plateau.”
She explained that the initiative was expected to engage with the local community, raise awareness about the importance of the WHV program the conservation and the unique biodiversity of the park.
The engagement, she further explained, will also help preserve local cultures and traditions that were often intertwined with the natural environment.
Mangzha said: ” It will also help address conflicts between conservation goals and local needs, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation and allowing the community to own the project.
“Community will be educated on anti -poaching initiatives, that is, poaching of non-timber forest products among others.
“We are confident that with the support of our partners, this initiative will not only be successful but will also contribute significantly to the preservation of our heritage for future generations.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the action plan at the sites include gaining essential wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, and navigation for participants .
It would also empower participants to safely and responsibly enjoy outdoor adventures while minimizing risks to themselves and the environment. Participants are also to learn how to track and record various species within the park, engaged in the protection and safeguarding of fauna and flora species.
NAN also reports that the 2024 UNESCO WHV theme is tagged “Elevating the Gashaka-Gumti National Park from tentative recognition to World Heritage site status.”
It is convened by AFIDFF, in collaboration with the Taraba state government.
Other partners include the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) and the National Park Service.
Others are, National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) Nigerian Red Cross Service, National Film and Censor Board, Nomad Africa, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and NAN among others.
