… Recommits to sustainable ecosystem
By: Felix Ikpotor
As the world marks the 2024 World Wetlands Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has called for concerted efforts from stakeholders in preserving the ecosystem and wetlands in particular from further degradation.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey made the call in a statement to mark the day and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
He said despite the critical role played by wetlands in the ecosystem, it’s continues degradation posses a great risk to biodiversity.
On this year’s theme, Wetlands and Human Well-being, the HYPREP PC said it resonates deeply with Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant wetlands that play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities.
He said, “The theme recognizes wetlands as critical to all facets of human well-being, including psychological, mental, social, and spiritual. It underscores the intrinsic value of wetland ecosystems to sustainable development and human well-being. Wetlands, including mangroves, lagoons, creeks, ponds, rivers, and associated seasonal water bodies, sustain life, foster biodiversity, and ensure the health and prosperity of our communities through their regulatory, provisioning, protecting, replenishing, and sustaining functions.
“A range of these ecosystems exists in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where they contribute to the sustenance of various local cultures, offering valuable resources for fishing, agriculture, traditional and spiritual practices. Mangroves, for example, typically serve as natural buffers against floods, store and purify water, and provide food and habitat for various plant and animal species”.
He however, regretted that despite their invaluable contributions, wetlands face numerous threats, including urbanization, reclamation for social projects, plastic and crude oil pollution, deforestation, dredging, and the impact of climate change.
He pointed out that over 4000 hectares of mangroves have been destroyed by decades of oil spills in the Ogoni area of the Niger Delta alone which has exacerbated poverty, as traditional livelihoods dependent on healthy mangroves are destroyed, noting that the degradation of these crucial ecosystems poses risks to biodiversity and compromises the well-being of communities that depend on wetlands for survival.
The PC said HYPREP has taken on the bold responsibility to restore hectares of shoreline and mangrove ecosystems in the Ogoni area of the Niger Delta that have been degraded by man-influenced activities which includes; undertaken a Preliminary Shoreline Clean-up Assessment of over 3000 ha of shoreline, conducted a chemical characterization of oil levels in the sediment, delineated the 3000 ha of the assessed shoreline into 833 grids, has started the process of remediating 1,747 ha of the 3000 ha, piloted mangrove rehabilitation of 460 ha, providing skill training to 5000 Ogoni youths, including artisanal refiners, to create alternative livelihoods as a means to prevent recontamination of remediated ecosystems.
Other actions taken by HYPREP he said are; training of 90 Ogoni youths and women in mangrove restoration and empowering them with grants to set up mangrove nurseries, created and funded Environment Clubs in secondary schools in Ogoniland to sustain education, awareness, and sensitization of the risks of wetland degradation.
Prof. Zabbey emphasized that a change in attitude towards the environment, sustainable use of ecosystems, and co-management of ecological infrastructure by communities are essential components of a sustainable wetlands restoration regime.
He called on stakeholders to work together to implement sustainable practices that protect and restore these vital ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations, stressing that HYPREP is committed to raising awareness about the significance of wetlands and advocating for their protection.
“We call upon the government at all levels, civil society, businesses, communities, and the public to join hands in preserving these critical ecosystems. Our collective efforts can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly those related to clean water and life on land and underwater, as well as climate action.
“This World Wetlands Day, HYPREP encourages individuals and communities to engage in activities that promote wetland conservation, such as clean-up drives, educational programmes, and tree-planting initiatives. By working together, we can ensure that wetlands continue to thrive for the benefit of current and future generations.
“We therefore urge you to appreciate the beauty and importance of wetlands and pledge to be stewards of these vital ecosystems.
“We can create a sustainable future by prioritizing our environment’s well-being and our communities’ prosperity,” Prof. Zabbey said.
