Author: Ebere Idiaye

  • The menance of plastic waste pollution and probable solutions

    The menance of plastic waste pollution and probable solutions

    Plastic is a universal material that poses a considerable environmental threat. With less than 20% of plastics recycled globally, plastic waste is becoming increasingly prevalent. The growth in plastic production and consumption, particularly in single-use packaging, along with an inefficient waste management system, continues to worsen the issue.

    In Lagos – the economic capital of Nigeria – alone where about 9000 metric tons of waste is generated daily, 86% of that waste is made up of plastic bottles and bags. The real problem with plastic is that it does not break down naturally and can take approximately 500-1000 years to decompose, while in the process releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. PET bottles are particularly problematic as they are non-biodegradable and pose a significant threat to wildlife.

    To address the issue of plastic waste, collaborative efforts are needed from bottlers, governments, and NGOs. They can work together to support initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, such as awareness campaigns, recycling infrastructure improvements, and the promotion of reusable bottles. 

    Governments can establish policies and regulations that promote sustainable packaging practices, and support research and innovation in alternative packaging materials and recycling technologies. NGOs can also play a critical role in raising awareness of the issue and promoting behavioral change among consumers.

    To curb PET waste, several probable solutions can be implemented immediately and these include:

    Promoting the use of reusable bottles through education and awareness campaigns, or by incentivizing their use through discounts or other incentives. 

    Improve recycling infrastructure by setting up more recycling centers, enforcing effective collection systems, and creating markets for recycled PET. 

    Added to that, governments can implement a bottle deposit system where consumers can receive rewards for returning bottles for recycling. 

    Conclusively, bottlers can explore the use of biodegradable alternatives to PET bottles and reduce the amount of packaging used.

    Collaboration is the key to tackling the issue of plastic waste. Every solution must be considered, and every option explored. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for all. 

  • Nigeria, Cameroon collaborate to establish world heritage site for endangered species conservation

    Nigeria, Cameroon collaborate to establish world heritage site for endangered species conservation

    Nigeria in collaboration with Cameroon is on a mission to establish a world heritage site, the function of which would be the conservation of endangered species like the gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, and elephants which are indigenous to both countries. 

    This collaboration between the neighboring nations was made known in Calabar, Cross River State, by the Director of Cross River Landscape for Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Dr. Inaoyom Imong, on March 27, 2023, at a workshop on Watershed Protection for Safe Sustainable Water Supply. 

    The workshop which was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is aimed at educating Nigerians on the importance of preserving wildlife. 

    “These species native to both countries are rare and few in the whole of Africa hence it is of great necessity to protect them using this facility,” Imong said.

    He further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would soon be signed by the presidents of both countries and this would help both countries to attain joint conservation goals. 

    “The World Heritage Site will strengthen transboundary efforts between Nigeria and Cameroon which will make conservation more effective and reduce cost,” Imong added.

    “When the MoU is signed by the two presidents very soon, it will bring about many more benefits, including joint patrols and regular transboundary workshops between Nigeria and Cameroon.”

    He called for the reinforcement and implementation of laws to combat the incessant infiltration into protected forests and attacks on wildlife.

    He also called for support for the prosecution of violators and the creation of a code of conduct for forest rangers. 

    He further mentioned a recent workshop held for the officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA) and Nigeria Customs Service in Calabar about that. 

    “The workshop became necessary to keep relevant agencies abreast with the international dimensions which wildlife trade has assumed, including methodologies to tackle them.

    “We are also providing livelihood support for local communities in the forest areas to stem widespread poverty, and also dissuade them from invading protected areas for food,” he said.

     

  • Marine ecosystem: What you need to know

    Marine ecosystem: What you need to know

    Marine ecosystems are aquatic environments with high levels of dissolved salt. Marine ecosystems are defined by their unique biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and microbes; important abiotic factors include the amount of sunlight in the ecosystem, the amount of oxygen and nutrients dissolved in the water, proximity to land, depth, and temperature.

    Sunlight is one of the most important abiotic factors for marine ecosystems. It’s so important that scientists classify parts of marine ecosystems—up to three—by the amount of light they receive. The topmost part of a marine ecosystem is the euphotic zone, extending down as far as 200 meters (656 feet) below the surface. 

    The euphotic zone is the disphotic zone, which can reach from 200 to as deep as 1,000 micrometers below the surface. At these depths, sunlight is still available, but only enough to facilitate some photosynthesis. Below the disphotic zone lies the aphotic zone, which does not receive any sunlight.

    Although the ocean is one continuous body of water, oceanographers have divided it into five principal areas: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans. The Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans merge into icy waters around Antarctica. The ocean plays a vital role in climate and weather.

    The marine is found on every continent. The two largest bodies of water in the world are the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

    Marine is the largest biome that is the natural habitat of various flora and fauna in the world. It takes up a whopping 70% of the Earth and accounts for 90% of the world’s water supply. Biome boasts more than 230 distinct species. The Marine biome is known for its salty waters which are about 33-37% salt and have a lot of biodiversity making up numerous complex ecosystems. The marine biome is prestigious due to its abiotic factor.

    The Indian Ocean is an extension of the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean is an extension of the Atlantic Ocean. The Arctic Ocean is also an important marine biome.

    Did you know?

    Various types of aquatic environments make up the marine ecosystem and these include:

    The Open Ocean 

    The Deep-sea Ocean 

    The Coastal Marine Ecosystems

    Each of which has different physical and biological characteristics.

    The various types of marine ecosystem 

    The number of marine ecosystems is actively debated. Although there is some disagreement, several types of marine ecosystems are largely agreed on: estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove forests, coral reefs, the open ocean, and the deep-sea ocean.

    Estuaries 

    An estuary is a coastal zone where oceans meet rivers. Here, nutrients and salts from the ocean mix with those from the river in regions sheltered from extreme weather. As a result, estuaries are among the most productive places on Earth and support many types of life. 

    Salt Marshes

    Salt marshes occur where oceans meet the land. These places are rich in nutrients from sediment brought in by the ocean. Marshes are regularly flooded by high tides, making the surrounding ground wet and salty.

    Mangrove Forests 

    These ecosystems frequently flood with ocean water, submerging the roots of mangrove trees. The root systems of mangroves filter out salt and sit above ground to access oxygen. These trees provide a home for a variety of species. Animals, such as fish, crabs, shrimp, reptiles, and amphibians, live among the mangrove’s roots while its canopy provides a nesting site for birds.

    Coral Reefs 

    A bit farther out into the tropical sea are coral reefs, euphotic-zone ecosystems built from the exoskeleton secreted by coral polyps. These exoskeletons form complex structures that shelter many different organisms. Coral reefs are extremely diverse ecosystems that host sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and many more creatures. By some counts, coral reefs can account for a quarter of all ocean species.

    Open Ocean 

    Open ocean ecosystems vary widely as the depth of the ocean changes. At the surface of the ocean, the euphotic zone, the ecosystem receives plenty of light and oxygen, is fairly warm and supports many photosynthetic organisms. Many of the organisms that we associate with marine ecosystems, such as whales, dolphins, octopi, and sharks, live in the open ocean. 

  • House of Reps approves the conversion of 10 game reserves into National Parks

    House of Reps approves the conversion of 10 game reserves into National Parks

    On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved the conversion of 10 game and forest reserves across Nigeria into national parks, by a declaration signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The motion was put forward by House Leader Ado Alhassan Doguwa, and moved by Deputy House Leader Peter Akpatason.

    The President signed a Declaration Order on November 16, 2022, to declare 10 parks as national parks. These parks include Allawa Game Reserve in Niger State, Apoi Forest Reserve and Edumenum Reserve in Bayelsa State, Falgore Game Reserve in Kano State, Baturiya Wetland Game Reserve in Jigawa State, Kampe Forest Reserve in Kwara State, Kogo Forest Reserve in Katsina State, Marhai Forest Reserve in Nasarawa State, Oba Hill Forest Reserve in Osun State, and Pandam Forest Reserve in Plateau State.

    According to Akpatason, the President had requested the House’s concurrence, in keeping with Section 18 of the National Park Service Act, by communicating in writing about the 10 new national parks.

    Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase emphasized that the motion would not only enhance the beauty and tranquillity of Nigeria but also create employment opportunities.

    In addition to creating employment opportunities, the conversion of these reserves into national parks is expected to boost tourism in the country. National parks offer visitors an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of a region, as well as its flora and fauna, and Nigeria has a rich diversity of wildlife and natural resources to offer.

    Moreover, the creation of national parks is also a step towards the conservation and protection of these natural resources. National parks are usually managed by government agencies, and their primary objective is to conserve and protect the natural environment, including its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

    By designating these reserves as national parks, the government can regulate human activities within these areas, such as hunting, logging, and other destructive activities that could harm the environment. This would ensure the preservation of these natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

    It is worth noting that Nigeria already has seven national parks, including Cross River National Park, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and Yankari National Park. The addition of these 10 new national parks will not only expand the country’s protected areas but also improve their accessibility to visitors.

    In conclusion, the approval of the conversion of these reserves into national parks by the House of Representatives is a positive step toward the conservation, protection, and promotion of Nigeria’s natural resources. It is expected to create employment opportunities and boost tourism, while also ensuring that these natural resources are preserved for future generations

  • The Kamuku National Park

    The Kamuku National Park

    The Kamuku National Park is a park in northern Nigeria that is situated in the west of Kaduna State. The park sits on a landmass of about 1,120km in length and is adjacent to the Kwiambana Game Reserve to the northwest of the state. 

    The park which was established in 1936 as the Native Authority Forest Reserve of Birmin Gwari has a typical Sudanian Savanna ecology. However, in May 1999, the park was updated from being a state Game Reserve to being a National Park. 

    This transformation can be attributed to the success of a community-based project which educated the members of the community on sustainable resource usage, managed by Savanna Conservation Nigeria, a national NGO. 

    The Kamuku National Park which is separated from the Kwiambana Game Reserve only by River Mariga remains the finest area of the savanna in Nigeria.  

    The park’s landscape is mostly flat with stunning biodiversity features which sustain a medley of flora and fauna including the critically endangered African elephant. 

     

    Other species of animals include baboons, warthogs, antelope, and a host of other animals including reptiles, frogs, rodents, fish, and monkeys. 

    Another special feature of the park is the Dogon Ruwa Waterfalls and its unique species of birds of nearly 177 different kinds which makes the park an ornithologist’s dream destination. 

  • The threat of massive floods and food scarcity looms over Nigeria in 2023

    The threat of massive floods and food scarcity looms over Nigeria in 2023

    One of the major impacts of global climate change is flooding, this seasonal occurrence has been predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Annual Flood Outlook stating that about 178 Local Government Areas across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at high risk of flooding, conceivably worse repetition of the 2022 flooding. 

    As a result, early warnings have been issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on expected pervasive flooding across many states in Nigeria. These early warnings are targeted primarily at vulnerable communities with the potential of being displaced as a result of the impending floods to make contingency plans. 

    These predictions, therefore, make it more than necessary to carry out climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for better preparedness for upcoming floods.  

    The devastating 2022 floods claimed a total of 662 lives while 3,174 were injured and a total of 2,430,445 were displaced as revealed by the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed. Going on this data, the anticipated floods of 2023 hold very grim prospects for food security in Nigeria. 

    Nigeria ranks 103 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index, the World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics have respectively ranked 133 million Nigerians which is 63% of the population as being poverty ravaged and surviving on less than 2 dollars per day. Nigeria has also sadly been ranked by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. 

    Flooding is known to induce land degradation, land use change, and water pollution, unfortunately, 30 out of 36 States impacted by the 2022 flooding are yet to engage in damaged land remediation and restoration. These States include Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Adamawa just to mention a few. 

    NEMA’s early warning of flooding and evacuation of occupants of flood-prone communities as a precaution against getting submerged can lead to the risk of food production being disrupted in places like Kogi, Ogun, and Benue among others. 

    Cyclical displacement of people and farmers often affects food availability and accessibility and the adverse effects of this fractured food supply are already being felt as the post-2022 flooding estimates, food prices have skyrocketed by a whopping 23.34% according to the National Bureau of Statistics. 

    These grim statistics call for urgent action on the part of the government to implement nature-based solutions to combat floodings such as restoring wetlands, removal of property and population from floodplains, implementing reforestation programs, and desilting drains and water bodies. In order the mitigate the devastating impacts of upcoming floods 

     

  • The value of wetlands

    The value of wetlands

    Wetlands are areas of land that are either covered by water or saturated with water. The water is often groundwater, seeping up from an aquifer (an underground layer of rock or earth that holds groundwater) or spring. 

    Wetlands have also been described as terrestrial or semi-terrestrial ecosystems characterized by low drainage quality, slow waters or seldom standing water bodies filled with soil. 

    The water found in wetlands also sometimes comes from a nearby river or lake. In coastal regions that experience strong tides, however, seawater can also create wetlands. 

    Wetlands are transition zones usually covered by water for most of the year but the depth and duration of the seasonal flooding experienced on wetlands vary. Wetlands have the characteristic of not being totally dry land or underwater, they have the characteristics of both. 

    The three major kinds of wetlands are marshes, bogs, and swamps. This categorization is done based on the floral habitat and associated soil components. 

    Swamps 

    A swamp is a wetland that is permanently covered by water and dominated by trees. There are primarily two types of swamps which are the saltwater swamp and the freshwater swamp. Freshwater swamps are common in inland areas while saltwater swamps protect coasts from the open ocean. 

    Freshwater swamps most times are formed on flat land around lakes or streams where the water table is high and runoff is low. The water level on these flat lands sometimes fluctuates due to seasonal rainwater and flooding. Plants such as cattails, lotus, and cypress grow in the swamp’s wetland soil to maintain the ecosystems of the swamp. 

    Saltwater swamps are usually seen around tropical coastlines. These swamps begin to form with bare flats of mud or sand that are lightly covered by seawater during high tides. The water is a mixture of both freshwater and seawater. Plants such as mangrove trees which can tolerate brackish water are found in these areas. 

    Marshes 

    Swamps often give way to marshes, these wetlands firm a flat, grassy fringe near river mouths, in bays, and along coastlines. Many of them are alternately flooded and exposed to the movement of tides. Just like swamps, marshes are usually divided into freshwater and saltwater categories. 

    Freshwater Marshes 

    These marshes are often dominated by grasses and aquatic animals. These marshes develop around lakes and streams and are located hundreds of kilometers from the coast. Many marshes can be found in the region of North America through the northern Midwest of the United States. The fertile soil and temperate climate make the marshes in this region some of the richest in the world. 

    Saltwater Marshes 

    Saltwater marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. These marshes are full of grasses hence they provide nourishment to fungi, algae, shellfish, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. Other animals also feed on the vegetation and insects found in the marshes. 

    Bogs 

    While marshes and swamps are mostly found in warm climates, bogs which are known as ferns or moors are often located in cold or arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. They also exist in high altitudes in warm climates like the Sierra Nevada and the United States. 

    Similar to many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table or the upper surface of underground water is high. They usually begin in glacial depressions called kettle lakes. These kettle lakes slowly fill up with plant debris, and leaves, roots, and stems of large plants accumulate on the bed of the lake. As the lakes get shallower, mosses and other plants growing along the edges of the lake extend into the lake. 

    As they float over the lake and get tangled, they attract water-loving grasses and sedges, and soon the lake is filled with vegetation. Some of the vegetation decay in the water and form a thick spongy mat called peat. Peat is a useful fuel in many parts of the world, it is usually burned for heating and cooking. It is also the first step in the process of making coal. 

    The value of wetlands to life can not be overemphasized. Wetlands provide many ecosystem services such as water treatment and purification, serve as a buffer zone, and provide a vital resource for humans and animals. Across the globe, wetlands provide huge resources like reefs, lakes, rivers, tidal flats, and rice fields.

    Wetlands are also used for recreational purposes like bird watching, sailing, and sports activities. Added to the fact that they are wildlife habitats for species including birds, amphibians, and mammals that are uniquely adapted to aquatic environments. 

    Wetlands are also useful for sediment protection and trapping, erosion control, and recycling of wastewater. Additionally, wetlands are useful for farming, especially the cultivation of rice and fish. 

    Wetlands are not to be regarded as wastelands as they were in the past when people felt that they should be drained or used as dumping grounds. Rather they should be regarded as places that provide important services to the environment and humans. 

     

  • NCF opens applications for S.L Edu Memorial Grant

    NCF opens applications for S.L Edu Memorial Grant

    Calls for applications have been made by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for the year 2023’s edition of the annual Chief S.L Edu Memorial Ph.D. Research Support Grant which has been under the sponsorship of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) since the commencement of the initiative in 2006.

    The grant is targeted at Nigerian citizens to promote research in biological sciences, environmental management, Law (Environmental Law/ Protection) and allied fields related to nature conservation, environmental resource management and enhancement of livelihoods in Nigeria.

    The theme of this year’s Research:
    Research focusing on Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change”

    DEADLINE:
    31st March, 2023

    Apply using the link below:
    https://bit.ly/SLEDUGRANT2023

    Copy link into browser if it doesn’t open.

  • Amazing ecotourism destinations to visit in the year 2023

    Amazing ecotourism destinations to visit in the year 2023

    Ecotourism has been defined by the World Tourism Organization as all nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourist is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas. 

    Ecotourism adventure highlights the remarkable natural and cultural values of the environment while offering both visitors and locals alike unique experiences. 

    All around the world, located in different countries across the globe are various breathtaking ecotourism destinations, however, we would be narrowing them down to the five most spectacular destinations that you might want to take a trip to in the year 2023. 

    • Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    The Volcanoes National Park in the northwest area of Rwanda is on the forested slopes of the Virunga mountain range. It houses about half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and it is one of Africa’s most biodiverse parks, within the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park resides over 180 bird species. 

    The Volcanoes National Park is known for its gorilla conservation efforts with about 400 mountain gorillas living in the rainforest. 

    The National Park offers guests the opportunity to hike in the dense forests where they can have the memorable experience of meeting the gorillas face to face. 

    However, guests need to obtain the required gorilla trekking permit before visiting the Volcanoes National Park. Also, they are required to follow strict conservation rules to ensure they tread lightly. 

    The park is an ideal romantic getaway destination for adventurers and potential conservationists. 

    • Agbokim Waterfalls Cross River State Nigeria 

    The Agbokim waterfalls are located at the Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State in the southeastern part of Nigeria, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. 

    The white frothy cascade of water is created by the convergence of seven different rivers which plunge 6817.73m down slippery hills. 

    The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery which provides homes to thousands of birds that fill the environment with the symphony of their chirping. 

    Visit to the falls is open at any time of the year, however, tourists are encouraged to visit during the rainy season when they can be fortunate to catch a glimpse of the rainbow arched across the foamy cascade. 

    Its proximity to Cameroon also provides tourists with a chance for a cross-border experience. 

    • Seychelles Indian Ocean Islands 

    An Island once overrun by rats, invasive birds, and plant species, Seychelles Islands which is off the coast of East Africa, northwest of Madagascar has become a paradisiac destination for tourists due to the relentless conservation efforts which had an exponential impact on the island. 

    The conservation of the Island involved restoring indigenous flora and indigenous bird species and also monitoring the endangered green and hawksbill turtle populations. 

    Ecotourists visit the Island and volunteer in league with the Wildlife Act to conduct daily turtle patrols at sunrise. Fresh turtle tracks are often seen during their nesting seasons.  These nesting seasons run from October to March for the Hawksbill turtle while the Green turtles’ nesting season runs from March to October. 

    Tourists have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures come out of the sea to lay their eggs. The Seychelles Indian Ocean Islands is a perfect romantic beach getaway for honeymooners. 

    • Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya 

    The Lake Nakuru National Park located in central Kenya, northwest of Nairobi is a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic hideout while engaging in wildlife conservation efforts. 

    The wet seasons between March and May are the suggested visiting periods when the park is green with lush vegetation and beautiful flowers. This is also a time when tourists can enjoy bird watching as many migratory birds will be present. Also, newborn animals will be present at those times. 

    The Park also promises fascinating views of safari animals such as the Rothschild giraffe, Hippo, and Buffalo. There are also occasional sightings of the famous tree-climbing lions and leopards which visitors are sometimes fortunate to experience. However, visitors are more fascinated by the presence of the elegant pink flamingos. 

    • Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa 

    The Phinda Game Reserve is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The flourishing game reserve which was once used for farming sits on a land mass of 28,622 hectares. While 790 hectares consist of critically endangered ancient sand forests. 

    The game reserve is home to various wildlife like rhinos, cheetahs, and pangolins. It’s a perfect destination for a small group of tourists traveling together and looking to make a notable difference in the world of wildlife conservation. 

    Phinda focuses on energy conservation and other sustainable practices to ensure a responsible approach to tourism. 

  • Hope restored as critically endangered chimpanzee gives birth in Chester Zoo    

    Hope restored as critically endangered chimpanzee gives birth in Chester Zoo   

    The birth of the world’s rarest chimpanzee gives reasons for celebration among conservationists across the world who commented, saying that it gives hope to the world’s rarest chimpanzee. 

    The critically endangered Western chimpanzee named Zeezee gave birth to a male baby chimpanzee on the 9th of December after an eight-month gestation period. The baby is reported to be in good health and is spending time bonding with its mother and the other 22 members of the Western chimpanzee troop. 

    The Western chimpanzee was the first subspecies of chimpanzee to be declared to be a critically endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as far back as 2016 after it experienced an 80% decline in population over the past 25 years. 

    Human activities which include poaching, habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation have also been at the root of the loss of these species. The species have therefore gone extinct in many parts of West Africa such as Benin, Burkina Faso, and Togo. 

    However, around 18,000 Western chimpanzees remain in some parts of Africa. Some of its population can still be found in places like Senegal, Ghana, and Guinea, with the largest population being in Guinea

    Andrew Lenihan the team manager at the zoo’s primate section expressed his excitement when he commented saying “we’re incredibly proud to see a precious new baby in the chimpanzee troop.”

    “Mum ZeeZee and her new arrival instantly bonded and she’s been doing a great job of cradling him closely and caring for him” he mentioned in the press release. 

    Lenihan continued by saying ” a birth always creates a lot of excitement in the group and raising a youngster soon becomes an extended family affair. 

    “You’ll often see the new baby being passed between other females who want to lend a helping hand and give ZeeZee well-deserved rest and that’s exactly what her daughter, Stevie, is doing with her new brother. It looks as though she has taken a real shine to him, which is great to see” he further stated. 

    During the press release, Lenihan observed, “he may not know it but ZeeZee’s new baby is a small but vital boost to the global population of Western chimpanzees, at a time when it’s mostly needed for this critically endangered species.” 

    The newborn will be named after a famous rock star as mentioned in the press release in keeping with an age-old tradition