PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND COMMUNITY IN GOVERNANCE OF FINIMA NATURE PARK, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study on Participation of Local Authorities and Community in Governance of Finima Nature Park, River State was studied. Focus group discussion and interview methods were used. Community head, representatives of Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), staff of Finima Nature Park and local authorities were the respondents. Data collected were analyzed qualitatively. Result revealed that the local community engaged in different types and forms of participation such as of stakeholders’ participation, integrated conservation, development project, local support, information giving, consultation, functional participation and interactive participation. The contributions of the locals to conservation were in form of lease of land, peaceful co-existence and information giving around the park. The presence of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and FinimaNature Park (FNP) has in turn contributed to the livelihood of the Finima community and surrounding settlements of the Park in form of employment, electricity and good road network. Constraints identified militating from this study were unequal sharing of benefit by the host community, neglect by NCF, poverty and unemployment. It is recommended that the NLNG and NCF should have a round table talk with the bordering settlements to identify the major needs as this will help to avoid conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence. Efforts should also be made to list the Park as a Ramsar site to give it an International recognition.