PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Environmentalists have sounded the alarm for the preservation of Nigeria’s vital mangrove ecosystems in anticipation of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. During a recent webinar organized by the Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN) in collaboration with the Rivers Chapter of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (RivFISON), experts and environmentalists emphasized the urgency of safeguarding these unique habitats.
Dr. Aroloye Numbere, a renowned mangrove ecologist, delivered a keynote speech titled “Mangrove: Food Basket of the Sea and Haven of Fisheries” during the webinar. He highlighted the significant role mangroves play in providing food for aquatic species and how they act as a “supermarket of the sea.” Unfortunately, human activities have severely threatened the mangrove vegetation, leading to a loss of biodiversity in the coastal areas where they are found.
Numbere stressed the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems, citing their value as hotspots for biodiversity and serving as the habitat for numerous species, including fish, mammals, and birds. He listed various ecosystem services provided by mangroves, such as food, medicinal herbs, forest products, and tourist attractions, among others.
The expert also addressed sustainable fishing practices, advocating for the implementation of fishing limits laws and regulations to ensure the long-term health of fisheries. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity through laws, treaties, and habitat preservation, especially in the face of construction projects where developers should carefully consider the balance between development and preservation.
Attendees at the webinar called on environmentalists and Civil Society Organizations to actively advocate for proper environmental impact assessments for all projects, whether initiated by individuals or the government, to prevent significant losses of biodiversity. They pointed to the alarming depletion of mangroves in the Niger Delta area, largely due to oil and gas exploration, which has had devastating consequences for biodiversity in the region.
As the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem approaches on 26 July, the call for action to protect these invaluable habitats grows louder. Environmentalists hope to raise awareness about the critical role mangroves play in sustaining ecosystems and the urgent need for sustainable management and conservation efforts to safeguard their future for generations to come.
