Ewah Oshuo James

Socio-economic Challenges of National Parks in Nigeria,1990-2010 Ewah Oshuo James

The book, "Socio-economic Challenges of National Parks in Nigeria,1990-2010" discussed the socio-economic challenges of national parks and protected areas in Nigeria with particular emphasis on the Cross National Park (CRNP) and Mbe Mountain Reserves. The book asserts that before the creation of parks, the rainforest integrity was eroded by man's activities which includes plantation farming, bush burning, logging, hunting, trapping and exploitation of rainforest resources. Simply put, the author posits that before the creation of parks, the rainforest was the only "super market" provided by nature to host populations within the protected areas. However, the creation of the CRNP and Mbe Mountain Reserve, adopted some disciplinary measures for trespasses and this has to a large extent reduced the over reliance on the rainforest. He recommended that, for conservation to be protected, local custodians need to be recognised as stakeholders, should also be integrated into the management of protected areas and equipped with non-aggro forestry livelihood alternatives.