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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. The 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. â??Akai Edohoâ?? 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. This report covers the biodiversity status, the level of exploitation and the conservation challenges over the forest.

Biography

Kingsley Akpabio Essien has done Ph.D in Plants Genetics and Biosystematics and his present research interest is on Biological Conservation and Environmental Biology. He was Staff at University of Uyo, Nigeria 1983 till date and currently he is Research Director at University of Uyo, Biodiversity Conservation Team. He is also a member for Inter-Universities Research Committee, Team Leader and Biodiversity Consultant on several Environmental Assessment projects in Nigeria, Shell Chair Professor in Biodiversity and Climate Change at University of Uyo and also a Former Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo. He was awarded for Excellency for Development of Youths and Sports. Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS) and Special Merit Award for Youth Development and Sports in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria from University of Uyo, SUG. He is a Patron, International Student Association (ISA) and also a President, West African University Games.