Evaluation of Protected Area Management Effectiveness in Cross River State

Effective management of protected areas is fundamental to achieving biodiversity conservation targets, yet management effectiveness assessments remain infrequent in many Nigerian states. This study evaluates the management effectiveness of two protected areas in Cross River State, Nigeria, using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) adapted for Nigerian conditions. Cross River National Park and Korup National Park's Nigerian sector were selected as study sites within the South South geopolitical zone. Data were collected through structured scoring exercises with park management staff, ranger focus groups, and key informant interviews with conservation practitioners and community representatives. A total of 36 individual indicators across six management elements (context, planning, inputs, process, outputs, and outcomes) were assessed. Results indicate that both sites score moderately on planning and context elements but poorly on resource inputs, enforcement outputs, and conservation outcomes. Staff-to-area ratios remain critically low, with one ranger estimated to cover approximately 4,000 hectares. Community engagement processes are largely informal and inconsistent. The study recommends an urgent review of staff deployment levels, formalization of community conservation agreements, and adoption of adaptive management planning frameworks. Comparative benchmarking with peer-level protected areas in Ghana and Cameroon is suggested to identify transferable best practices. These findings offer a practical evidence base for the Cross River State Forestry Commission and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. Keywords: management effectiveness, METT, Cross River State, South South Nigeria, protected areas