INTRODUCTION
Biological diversity commonly referred to as biodiversity is the variety of life forms on earth which is composed of the number of species of plants, animals and microorganism, the enormous diversity of genes in these species, the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests, savannah and coral reefs (The Beehive, 2011).
Biodiversity is the number and variety of organism found within a specified geographical region, it is the quantity of plant and animal species in a given environment. Babsal and Co. (1998), further states that biodiversity means the number, variety and variability of living organism usually defined in terms of genes, species and ecosystems corresponding to fundamental and hierarchicallyrelated levels of biological organization.
Nigeria is located in the western part of Africa between latitudes 4⁰16’N and 14⁰37’E. It occupies a total land area of 923,768km2 with a population 160 million people (Wikipedia, 2011). By virtue of its geographical extent, it spans different climatic and ecological zones. The variable climatic conditions and physical features have endowed Nigeria with a very rich biodiversity. The mean annual rainfall range from about 450 mm in the north east to about 3500 mm in the coastal south east, with rain falls within 90 to 290 days respectively. The mean annual temperature range from 27⁰C in the south to 30⁰C in the north with extreme of 14⁰C and 45⁰C and an altitude range of 0 – 1000m above sea level (FGN, 2010).
Available literature has shown that today’s human activities are an empirical evidence of humans ruining what nature has bestowed to their care for sustainability. Westing, Warwick and Renner (2001) reported that man more than ever before is encroaching extensively upon what remains relatively of wild nature all over the world. Forests are being exploited and cleared, and converted into croplands with intensified use. As various human activities exert pressures on the global environment, biological diversity declines as habitats are being transformed (Whitmore &Sayer, 1992). In Nigeria for example, twenty one of the known bird species are facing serious threat of extinction or loss of habitat (Olatunbosun, 2013). The situation is worrisome as two of these species-Anambra Waxbill and the Ibadan Malimbe exist only in Nigeria and nowhere else in the world (Olatunbosun, 2013). The aim of this research is to examine the causes and solutions to the loss of biological fauna in Nigeria.
WILD FAUNA IN NIGERIA
Nigeria is rich in wild fauna resources, and can therefore boast of a high biodiversity. There are 22,000 vertebrate and invertebrate species, about 20,000 insect, 1,000 bird, 1,000 fish, 247 mammal and 123 reptile species (Nigeria Fourth National Biodiversity Report (NFNBR), 2010). The diversity of Nigeria’s wild animals can be attributed to the country’s tropical location, size and its ecosystems (FAO, 2000). These varieties of ecosystems range from rainforests in the south to moist savannah in the central part of the country and dry arid savannah in the far north. There are also freshwater, brackish and marine ecosystems occurring, while features of montane vegetation have been found at high altitudes in the eastern borderlands (Falade&Adebanjo, 2008). The country’s rich fauna is also as a result of the diverse vegetation types of these ecosystems. There are mammalian species such as the African Elephants, African buffalo and hippopotamus existing in the rainforest. Other large mammalian species found here are the large duikers, Chimpanzee, and red river-hog. The savannah areas house species such as the hartebeest and warthog and most of the carnivores. Grass cutters, Giant rats and tree squirrels are among the vast variety of small mammals that exist in the savannahs as well as a range of primates (wcsnigeria.org, 2012). The lowland rain forest provides habitat also for about 200 species of birds (FAO, 2000). Four of the bird species; Anambra waxbill, Ibadanmalimbe, Jos Plateau indigo-bird and the Rock Fire-Finch are endemic to the country, making them globally important species for conservation (Nigeria National Biodiversity strategy and action plan (NBSAP, 2007). Nigeria is also noted as a global hotspot for some species of primate. A great diversity of this is found especially in the Gulf of Guinea forests of Cross River State. Some of these species are endemic to Nigeria, like the white-throated monkey, Sclater’s guenon and the Niger Delta red colobus.
Table 1
Endemic Wild fauna species in Nigeria
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Sclater’sGuenom
Ibadan malimbe
Dunger’s file snake
Nigerian toad
Fox’s Shaggy Rat
Jos-Plateau Indigo bird
Wormsnake
Danko puddle frog
Gotel Mountain soft furred mouse
Rock firefinch
Giant forest Gecko
Savanna swamp shrew
Anambra waxbill
Ondo forest Gecko
Forest Shrew
West African worm lizard
Delta Red Colobus monkey
Source. http://lntreasures.com/nigeria.html.
Sedghi (2013) reported on the latest update of the IUCN Red List of threatened animal species across the regions of the world. IUCN collectively categorizes as threatened, species that are listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. Thus of the 71,576 animal species that were assessed, 21,286 were said to be threatened with extinction.
Table 2
Threatened biodiversity in Nigeria
SPECIE
STATUS
Cross River Gorilla
Critically endangered, approximately 100 remaining at 3 sites in Cross River
Forest Elephant
Endangered, small population found in Oban and Okwango division of Cross River National Park
Savannah Elephant
Endangered, last remaining population may be in Yankari game reserve, where approximately 450 are left
Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee
Critically endangered, with 1500-3000 left in Nigeria
African Lion
Presently critically endangered in Nigeria, with about 50 left in the wild at Yankari and Kainji-lake National Park.
Niger Delta red colobus monkey
Critically endangered, found in the marshy forests of central Niger-Delta
Preuss’s red colobus monkey
Threatened locally with extinction, and found around the Oban hills of Cross River national park
Grey-headed Picathartes
Threatened
Preuss’s guenon
Threatened, found in the Obudu plateau and Okwango areas of Cross-River state and South-west Cameroon
Leopard
Endangered, though there is very little information. The few left may be found at Gashaka-Gumti national park
African Wild Dog
Endangered, hunted out at GashakaGumti recently, but may still be found at Kainji-lake national park.
Gazelle
Endangered
Giraffe
Endangered
Nile crocodile
Endangered
Source. IUCN Red list (2013).
CAUSES OF LOSS OF BIOLOGICAL FAUNA
Available evidence shows that biodiversity is being lost at a disturbing rate in Nigeria. The causes of biodiversity loss are largely related to human factors. These are due to interaction with the environment for development, improved quality of life resulting from industrialization, technological advancement and rapid growth in urbanization.The direct causes of biodiversity loss in Nigeria include the following economic policies, rising demand for forest products, cultural practices, poor law enforcement and weak laws. Some of the major causes of loss of biological fauna are explained blow:
Population Pressure
As already indicated, the population of Nigeria is expected to increase to about 150 million by 2011. This will result in increased demand for natural resources thereby posing threats to biodiversity. With increase in population and consequent increase in demand for biodiversity resources, natural habitats are being destroyed for plantation establishment, irrigation, urbanization, roads, food and livestock production, and non-timber forest resources utilization. Threat to wildlife due to unsustainable hunting. High intensity of illegal exploitation of these species has continued to pose serious threats to the country’s forest resources.
Destruction and Loss of Wild Habitats
The ever increasing population in Nigeria may mean that more people will encroach on the few remaining natural ecosystems for wild animals. These larger populations are concentrated in the forested areas of the south and the large urban centres of the far north (Nigeria First National Biodiversity Report (NFNBR), 2001). Coincidentally, it is in these same locations that the few remaining populations of most endangered species found in the country are left. For example, the Cross River Gorilla found in the southern forested areas of Cross River state and protected in the Cross River National park, and the Savannah Elephant found in Yankari game reserve of Bauchistate in the North. Another activity that has often resulted in destruction of wild habitat is the dry season fires mostly set by poachers. Afolayan (1977) also had reported that these early burns between January and November tended to suppress the growth of perennial grasses.
Excessive Hunting and Poaching
Hunting is perceived as a vocation in certain parts of Nigeria, especially in the rural communities where it might be a traditional family occupation. The activity takes place both day and night throughout the year, and anything larger than 2 kg is considered fair game meat (NFNBR, 2001). Poaching, which is any form of illegal entry into a protected area also has become more common as people enter to gather fuel wood, fell trees, fish and hunt without permission. In a survey of African grey parrots (Psittacuserithacus) carried out at the Ikpan forest block of the Oban sector of Cross River National Park, an area contiguous with the Korup National Park of Cameroon, it was established that trade and trafficking of these birds occurs in this area, with an average catch of eight parrots per day per man (Edem, Clement &Mfonobong, 2008). This has drastically reduced the population of parrots in the area as confessed by one of the parrot trappers who was engaged in the survey.
SOLUTIONS TO LOSS OF BIOLOGICAL FAUNA IN NIGERIA
The following strategies are proposed to enable the country preserve her rich biological fauna.
The Federal Government should implement without further delay the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan adopted in 1988 to restore Nigeria to 25% forest cover by the year 2020 and to make definite efforts to end gas flaring.
The budgetary allocation to the forestry sub-sector should be increased in order to boost national efforts at reforestation of deforested areas especially in the Middle Belt and Northern part of the country
Forest and savannah vegetation that were cleared to make way for urban development projects such as roads, schools, housing estates etc. should be replaced to maintain a good environment in the urban centres, this will prevent or reduce pressure on hot spot areas.
Forest reserves especially in the northern part that is prone to desertification should be strictly kept as reserves. Laws should be enacted, so that no State governor in power has the right to remove the protection status on such reserves due to their ecological importance.
Environmental laws that control the management of several animal species should be updated and its enforcement adequate enough to punish offenders and serve as deterrent to others.
The activities of local farmers that are harmful to biodiversity and even hunters should be monitored and controlled. This can be through public enlightenment campaigns highlighting the negative impacts of their actions and importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Zoological gardens in the country must be upgraded and well maintained to become safe conservation homes for some already endangered species and not just entertainment centres for humans.
CONCLUSION
Despite the numerous benefits man derives from wildlife resources, his reckless exploitation of the species remain unceasing and unabated. Human activities such as bush burning, hunting and poaching have continued to threaten wildlife existence in every environment. Consequently, many animals are faced with extinction and are classified either as threatened or endangered species. Conservation goals and objectives in the country’s national policy ought to be given more attention as concerned NGOs continue to implore and support the government in integrating them.
REFERENCES
Afolayan, T. A. (1977). Savanna structure and productivity in relation to burning and grazing regimes in Kainji Lake National Park. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Ibadan.
Babsal and Co. Limited (1998) – Katsina State Environmental Acton Plan – Final Report Babsal and Co. Ikeja, Lagos Under World bank Assisted Programme
Beehive (2011) – biodiversity http://Nigeria.thebeehive.org/content/15941.
Edem, A. E, Clement, E. A, &Mfonobong, E. E, (2008). A Survey of African Grey Parrots (PsittacusErithacus) Trade and Trafficking in Ekonganaku Area of Ikpan Forest Block, Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 1(2), 68-73
Falade, G. O., &Adebanjo, A. (2008). Ecotourism: A course Guide. National Open University of Nigeria. Retrieved from April 18, 2013 from http://www.nou.edu.ng/NOUN_OCL/pdf/.../ESM%20221-MAIN%20BODY.p
FAO. (2000). Forestry Outlook Study for Africa (FOSA). Retrieved from April 27, 2013 from http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/ab592e/AB592E02.htm 27/04/2013
Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)(2010) – Fourth National Biodiversity Report www.cbd.int/doc/world/ng-r-oi-en.
Nigeria National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). (2007). Retrieved December 16, 2013 from www.cbd.int/doc/world/ng/ng-nbsap-01-en.pdf
Nigeria First National Biodiversity Report. (2001). Retrieved April 27, 2013 from http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ ng/ng-nr-01-en.doc
Nigeria Fourth National Biodiversity Report. (2010). Retrieved February 4, 2014 from http://www.cbd.int/doc/ world/ng/ng-nr-04-en.pdf
Olatunbosun, A. (2013). Wildlife Conservation and Game management Laws: theoretical issues and empirical evidences in Nigeria. Retrieved June 11, 2013 from http://www.iucnael.org/en/documents/701-olatunbosun-wildlife...and.../file
Sedghi, A. (2013). Red list 2013: threatened species across the regions of the world. Retrieved September 17, 2014 from http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/nov/26/iucn-red-list-threatened-species-by-country- statistics
Westing, A. H., Fox, W., & Renner, M. (2001). Environmental degradation as both consequence and cause of armed conflict. Working paper prepared for Nobel Peace Laureate Forum participants by PREPCOM subcommittee on Environmental Degradation, June.
Whitmore, T. C., &Sayer, J. A. (Eds.). (1992). Tropical deforestation and species extinction (No. GTZ-705). London: Chapman & Hall
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Nigeria Strategy. (2012). Retrieved December 6, 2013 from http://wcsnigeria.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/.../Download.aspx?
Wikipedia (2011) – Wikipedia – the free encyclopediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria.
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Sunday, 18 December 2016
EFFECT OF GLOBALIZATION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
EFFECT OF GLOBALIZATION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Globalization can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. It can exacerbate environmental problems as well as provide new means for addressing them. However, the negative effects of globalization seem to outweigh its positive effects.
DEFORESTATION
Globalization has had a negative impact on the environment through deforestation. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, globalization is often viewed as a root cause of deforestation. The overuse of natural resources due to increased demand and also the removal of ecosystems due to population growth have had a large negative impact on the environment. According to one research by Francesco, 2010 found out that; extensive deforestation has occurred world-wide with the logging industry being fuelled by the need for disposable products. Thus, deforestation whether it is for an increase in demand or for expansion is causing a loss of biological diversity on the planet. Nigeria is not exempted from the impact of deforestation, Kalbessa 2007 observed that, The Nigeria’s rain forest is depleting fast majorly as a result of international trade.
Under the current international law, trans-national corporations are free to promote their interests in any part of the world. They have continued to establish industries in various countries by destroying the natural forest and dismantling the source of the peasant farmers’ survival. Various plant and animal species are doomed to extinction owing to the loss of forest.
Apart from contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer, deforestation also affects water cycle. Trees extract groundwater through their roots and release it into the atmosphere. When part of a forest is removed, the trees no longer evaporate away this water, resulting in a much drier climate. Deforestation reduces the content of water in the soil and groundwater as well as atmospheric moisture. Deforestation reduces soil cohesion, so that erosion, flooding and landslides occur.
E- WASTE
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a major challenge of globalization in Nigeria. E waste may be defined as all secondary electronics such as computers, entertainment devices, mobile phones, TV sets, refrigerators etc. whether sold, donated or discarded by their original owners. It includes electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal.
According to Achim Steiner (2007), UN Secretary General and executive director of UN environmental program, globalization is triggering a massive rise in the amount of e-waste. Investigation has shown that at least 100,000 computers arrive at the port of Lagos alone each month and about 75% of this electronics end up in open air and incinerators.
Large number of machines are rapidly becoming obsoletes within a very short period of time due to technological advancement hence generation of even more e-waste. A report by Domwatch an anti-dumping group in a report said, a UK-based organization once offered to donate 10,000 computers to a Nigerian NGO but only 2000 of the computers were found to be okay and in reusable conditions. Consequently gadgets that are unusable and unserviceable have to be dumped in dumpsites, constituting health hazards for the people within the environment. These dumped e-waste results in toxic emission and air pollution, the toxics are leached into the soil, air and ground water which is ingested by animals and humans and also taken up by plants. Also exposure to these substances causes damage to blood, CNS, DNA, immune system, kidney, skin disorder and cancers.
Incidentally, a serious dumping incidence that occurred in Nigeria was one of the factors which triggered and expedited the creation of the Basel Convention which came into force on 5th May, 1992. It was in 1988 that, 5 ships transported 8,000 barrels of hazardous waste from Italy to the small town of Koko, Delta State in Nigeria in exchange for $100 monthly rent which was paid to a Nigerian farmer for the use of his farmland to dump these waste thereby polluting the environment and subsequently lead to health hazard to Nigerians.
Globalization which has led to accumulation of e-waste is a threat to sustainable development. Children of affected areas in the future generation will probably be given birth with defects or genetic mutation.
MINING
Mining is the process of extraction of minerals deposits from the surface of the earth, beneath the earth for economic and developmental use. While it has importance on economic development, artisanal and small scale mining can be viewed negatively by environmentalist because of its potential for environmental disruption and damage. Some of the menace of mining includes depletion of the environment such as land degradation, devegetation, and loss of aquatic life, water and air pollution including health detritiation. Toxic materials released during panning and sluicing pose health problems to miners, their families and the surrounding environment.
In March 2010, medecins sans frontieres (MSF) discovered an epidemic of lead poisoning in the north western part of Nigeria, Zamfara to be precise, particularly in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas of the state. Investigation by the center for disease control (CDC), WHO, and Zamfara state ministry of health confirmed serious acute and chronic health effects due to extremely high level of lead and mercury affecting at least 10,000 people. The source of this catastrophic event was associated with the artisanal gold ore processing that occurs in the village. People got infected through drinking water and food and also inhalation of contaminated dust.
Minna and its environment as a major gold field also suffer in the hands of miners particularly in Luku village. Its activities happened to be dangerous to the environment such as land degradation, deforestation, erosion and loss of soil quality chemical analysis of Luku village soil has showed significant amount of lead, copper, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and gold in the soil. These elements can easily be absorbed by plants and subsequently by man through feeding which will results in catastrophic health issues. The dispersion of these heavy metals into the environment may render them unsuitable for consumption not only for people of present generation but future generation as well, therefore hindering sustainable development.
Similarly, in Jos plateau where tin and columbite mining took place has results into destruction of landscapes and left behind over a thousand water ponds, lakes , alluvial heaps and widespread erosion. There have been reports of humans and animals drowning in such sites. Some of the un-reclaimed mining pits have even become dead traps and habitats for dangerous reptiles. These vast lands have been rendered useless for anything productive which reclaiming it can take at least 25-35 years and it is very expensive.
In Nassarawa state, Ezeaku (2011) reported that soils around mine sites in the selected areas of the states such as Azara, have lost bee degraded due to erosion, sedimentation and contamination of the soil. Removals of rocks and over burden from mining operations have exposed the soil, changing its original texture and structure, making the soil not suitable for plants life.
In summary, mining as a process of globalization has been a major source of the presence of heavy metals in our environment, some of its effects include:
Male Infertility
Cardiovascular Diseases
Hypertension
Keratoconjunctivitis
Nephrotoxicity
Diabetes
Cancer
Osteoporosis
All these are a major disease that reduces the life span of people within the affected areas and hence hinder sustainable development.
GAS FLARING AND OIL SPILLS
Gas flaring and oil spills are common events in Nigeria. Gas flares have potentially harmful effects on the health and livelihood of nearby communities as they release poisonous chemicals including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, benzene, toluene, xylene, hydrogen sulphide as well as carcinogens like benzapyrene and dioxins. Many communities claim that nearby flares cause acid rain which corrodes homes and other structures. Gas flares also release methane which has high global warming potential accompanied by greenhouse gas.
Oil spills as a result of pipeline and tanker accidents, sabotage, oil production operations and spills from inadequate or non-functional production equipment has major impact on the ecosystem into which it is released and many constitute ecocide (complete destruction of an ecosystem due to human activities like exploitation or dumping of harmful chemicals). These two activities lead to chronic health issues, and kills both flora and fauna, also leads to loss of biodiversity. Because of the careless nature of oil operations in the Delta, the environment is increasingly becoming uninhabitable. A report issued by UNEP on August 4th 2011, which talked of the environmental disasters in the Niger Delta in Southeastern Nigeria, US shell company and other oil companies over half a century have led to environmental damage as a consequence of their activities. They failed to clean 100 square kilometers of ‘ogoniland’ zone after contaminating which led to devastating consequences for humans and wildlife.
GENERATORS
Another major environmental hazard associated with globalization is the influx of generating sets, commonly called generators in Nigeria. Due to incessant cut in power supply in Nigeria, most homes and industries resort to the use of generators. Nigeria is the largest importer of generators in the world, with over N1.3 trillion been spent in the last four years purchasing generators in an effort to respond to the declining power supply in the country. The generator is a source of noise and air pollution in the country. Many industries as well as many homes use generators for twenty four hours as an alternative source of power supply, despite the fact that they are only meant to be backups for electricity. Also, apart from the nuisance it constitutes as a result of noise in the neighbourhood, many Nigerians have lost their lives from the use of generators either through an electrical shock or the inhalation of generator fumes, which often contain carbon monoxide.
Also, the way and manner diesel and petrol are stored in many homes for use in their generators portends high risk for the environment. This is due to their inflammable nature, making generators unsafe for use sometimes within homes. Many houses do not have designated places for storing these items, and the fuel and generators are often kept carelessly around or even within the building, thereby increasing the risk of fire outbreaks. Undocumented incidences of fire outbreaks caused by the use of generators happen almost every week around the country.
Furthermore, burning of fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel have contributed a lot to the depletion of the ozone layer which results to climate change. Climate change as we all believe is the major cause of most of our today environmental problems therefore it is one of the major threats to future generations and hence disrupting sustainability of the environment.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, globalization has made so many changes in our lives that reversing them is not that possible at all. Researchers are of the view that the answer to this problem lies in problem itself, that is to say globalization itself can lend support to building a better structure which is economically feasible, socially acceptable, politically unbiased and environmentally-friendly because globalization is all about the competition and if at all certain privately-owned companies can take the lead in being environmentally-friendly, then this will encourage others to follow the trends. I’m ending my words with the environmental quotation which says:
“It is only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, the air we breathe has been intoxicated and the last fish on the earth has been caught, we will then realize that we cannot eat money!”
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT!!!
Sunday, 2 October 2016
PEOPLE OF THE CAVE
PEOPLE OF THE CAVE
ALLAH (S.W.T.) describes the youths of the cave who remained asleep in the cave for three hundred years.
“And you would have thought them awake while they were asleep and We turned them on their right and on their left sides” (Q 18:18).
Fourteen centuries have passsedsince the condition of the people of the cave was revealed in the holy Qur’an, it is only in this generation of our’s that a jordian archeologist Rafiq wafa Ad-dajani discovered in 1963 at a region in jordan known as Rahib, the place were the people of the cave slept in, when they fled in order to salvage their lives, their religion and their faith in Allah from the oppression of King Deconus. Eight graves were found in the cave and this is the number that Allah (s.w.t) has mentioned in the Qur’an. Near the entrance of the cave, there was a skull of a dog, this dog was their guard.
The number of the people of the cave was seven, among them was a Shepard. The dog was counted their eight, the dog was buried at the entrance of the cave where he had been serving as a guard and it was not buried in the eight graves.
The apertures of the cave was studied especially, the place through which the sun entered the cave, it was discovered that the direction of its sourthern aperture southwest. If a person stood inside the cave in the morning, the the sun inclined away from the cave to the right and the sun rays passed in it’s strenght in front of the standing person revealing the pastures and the horizons. When the sun was at its Zenith, none of its rays would penetrate through the aperture of the cave.
The describtion that the, discover made of the cave is the same precise describtion mentioned in the Noblr Qur’an.
Allah says:
“And you might have seen the sun when it rose declining to the right from their cave and when it set turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the midst of the cave. That is (one) of the ayat of Allah.He whom Allah guides is mightly guided, but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no wali (guiding friend) to lead him.” (Q: 18:17)
Writtings in different ancient languages were found one the walls of the cave indicating the Oneness of Allah.
May Allah guide us right Ameen.
Written and edited by Sadeeq Gumel
Contact me at
Sgumel@yahoo.com
+234(0)7035290439
Monday, 22 February 2016
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Introduction:
Waste has been defined in so many ways. The Bassel Convention defines Waste as …………………………
In Nigeria Waste is construed as any material that lacks utility or an object or substance that the owner or generator voluntarily or involuntarily relinquishes ownership.
Waste is generally assumed to be a negative externality and a measure of human imperfection. Waste is also associated with national development and infact in most cases can be seen as an index of the developing economy. Nigeria must in essence plan to accommodate it in her development plan.
Waste is a potential hazard by virtue of its nature and composition, therefore it imperfects handling has severe consequences on the safety and wellbeing of the public. Unlike unadulterated materials or finished commercial products, wastes do not possess the qualities of perfect-market goods. This negative externality implies that waste management services requires extra ordinary Government involvement to turn it into amiable investment material that will create wealth as well as impact on the general wellbeing of Nigeria.
Primarily, the objectives of waste management are to offer clean urban hygiene, environmental protection, conservation of materials and alternative source of energy. In Nigeria waste management is still at a domestic scale and totally alienated from other sectors as an indicator of growth. This is very evident in various Federal and State Sanitation Laws which is contrary to global trends where waste management is mainstreamed into National development frameworks. The household problem philosophy requiring house-to-house inspection can no longer suffice. Waste management is posing urban-scale challenge that demands a “chain of control from generator to manager” therefore; waste management requires a more integrated systematic and well-engineered social instrument to synchronize it with the economic development of a Nation. It is imperative that for the good development of Nigeria, this conference must include environmental provisions in the Nations Compilation that will practically realize the aspirations of protecting and preserving the environment for sustainability.
2. Environmental issues:
2.1 Waste management situation and aspiration (FACTS)
Waste generation in Nigeria is on the increase at an estimated rate of about 0.5 – 0.7% per annum. This may correspond with the rate the Nigerian population is growing. Figures collected from various studies conducted indicated that waste generation in Nigeria ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 Ton /capita /annum. Waste complexity is also increasing with biodegradable waste currently accounting for over 50%. This amounts to over 60milion tons of annual waste burden on Nigeria with less than 10% waste management capacity. This capacity is generally provided and delivered by the public sector. Commercialization of this sector has remained a task with poor or no success story throughout Nigeria. The failure is due to poor national policy of free-service, poor infrastructure stock and low manpower. Additionally, Nigerian development policies have been highly dominated by economic objectives so in which case environmental protection is ranked low. Furthermore, bulk of available fund is in government possession resulting in high rate of corruption, and low private sector participation. Consequently, private sector is very weak and unable to deliver basic services like waste disposal, and urban cleansing to the citizens.
2.2 Population Influence:
Currently, Nigeria has about forty per cent (40%) of her population living in the cities with a growing urbanization rate of about 7% per annum and less than ten per cent (10%) of the city populations enjoying marginal waste management services, and the rural population are left out of any scheme of services. Also, less than one per cent (1%) of Nigerian GDP is spent annually on waste management services. This is far less than the recommended standard of three to five percent (3-5%) of national GDP. The situation is slightly encouraging in Lagos State where Waste management has risen appreciably above just mere collection and disposal because of the involvement of the private sector in Waste management services. Currently, Lagos State generates 20 billion naira from Waste management.
The 21st Century Nigeria is expected to witness technological growth, increased urbanization, private sector controlled economy and environmental awareness. These changes shall be accompanied with increased waste yield and complexity, more public demand for environmental protection and waste management services. The new Nigerians also aspire, to have an economy that shall progressively internalizing environmental cost of goods and services in line with various international commitments entered into by the Government. Is the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory prepared for this. This Conference must provide the stimulus.
2.3 Constitutional provision for Waste management.
Section 20 of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution (as amended) proclaimed, the national environmental aspiration as protection and improvement of the environment (including the land, waters and the atmosphere). A reflection on this proclamation with respect to waste management implies:
The Waste management objectives of 1989 National Environmental Policy are protection of public health and environmental pollution control. The policy stipulates national methods for waste and pollution information development and also prescribes environmental protection as a constitutional duty of all tiers of governments. It clearly proclaims also, prompt domestication of international legal instruments that Nigeria ratifies. These pronouncements remain as rhetoric.
All these require proper pricing and charging of both producers and consumers of goods and services to instil sensible use of environmental resources. However, the National environmental aspiration is further trivialised by 4th Schedule of the same Constitution, which casually ascribed the responsibility to Local Government. It is also important to state that Sub-Section ‘h’ of Section 1 of this Schedule merely referred to refuse disposal not waste in its entirety or its management. Waste matters outside related matters, are residual by virtue of it not appearing in any of the lists in 2nd Schedule of the Constitution.
3. Challenges:
C. Waste Industry Challenges:
ISSUES & ARGUMENTS
Waste management industry is one of the most controlled in the developed economies nevertheless; it is obviously not regulated in most developing economics including Nigeria. This has contributed to high occupational public health (sanitation and poor potable water) delivery costs, and long-term environmental liabilities. Sadly, Nigeria today has no comprehensive policy framework on waste management.
No Nationally acceptable definition of waste and consequently resulting in poor enforcement.
Waste has not been mainstreamed into our development fabrics in all sectors and also into the up and downstream of material cycle. This has contributed to the slow pace of departure from the present situation. Framework of an enduring policy instrument likely to sustain Nigerian aspiration in waste management shall recognize the socio-economic structure of Nigeria, thus structuring responsibilities and jurisdiction in similar manner to minimise friction and improve business environment. Country’s stock of infrastructure is a critical factor of economic growth and offers opportunities for enterprise development and job creation. It is important to state that while improvement of infrastructural stock preoccupies successive governments no serious attention has been given to environmental management infrastructure. It is indeed a result of lack of planning with attendant uncoordinated, non-sustainable and wasteful development. The consequence of this approach is infrastructure stock imbalance or disorder. Examples of these are everywhere and include: development of Housing Estate without a Sewage management capacity; development of Nuclear Power Plant without Radioactive Waste Capacity and so on.
Today no institution offers waste management as a discipline, no statutory professional organisation exist in Environmental Management yet our environment is continuously threatened by waste which has remained our urban scare. Who then is our environmental development going to rest on? This has led to lack of professionals, standards and ethical control of our environmental resources. In the same vain, we lack waste management information which is a basic tool for planning and commercialization. Critical to development of a supportive Waste Management Industry for the 21st Century Nigerian economy, is waste accountability through informative policy instrument. This will in no small measure engender the internalization of cost of waste management into goods and services and, will stimulate private investment and encourage sustainable production and consumption.
Waste accountability includes three responsibilities physical, financial and informative. Waste generator shall be physically responsible as the owner of wastes generated. This entails duty to ensure good storage, treatment and responsible disposal. Financially, waste generator shares in the economic burden of managing the waste (from collection to disposal). Waste generator by this instrument shall be required to render and account of its waste yield to regulators either personally or through the waste managers. This informative instrument shall encourage planning and improve certainties in the industry thereby minimizing investment risks.
D. RECOMMENDATIONS: PRAYERS
Prayer 1: Responsibility in Waste Management Chain
Prayer 2: Waste Definition for regulation & control
v Disarmament and explosive waste;
v Nuclear, and radioactive waste; and
v All mining wastes (solid, liquid and gaseous minerals).
v State Waste shall consist of:
v All other Hazardous waste including Healthcare waste and excluding Federal Waste.
v Council Waste includes:
v all non-hazardous wastes including domestic and small commercial, and
v Institutionally generated wastes.
Prayer 3:
Simplification of Jurisdiction:
Prayer4:
Institutional simplification
Prayer 5:
Harmonization of Waste Management Framework
– is harmful,
– must be accounted for,
– management should be based on best practices and sustainability, and
– Management should be all inclusive (private & public)
Prayer 6:
Professionalism and Enforcement:
CONCLUSION
The national aspiration of Nigeria for waste management is achievable with appropriate and well-targeted and integrated policy instruments that will be driven by strong political will, technological innovation and business initiatives. Vertical and horizontal partnership amongst governments and the private sector in the industry is necessary to ensure that the reform agenda of the Government brings a sustainable change to the industry.
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Sunday, 22 November 2015
CONSERVATION OF SPECIE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSE
COURSE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
COURSE CODE: EMT 209
TOPIC:
CONSERVATION OF SPECIES
COMPILED BY :
AHMED SADIQ GUMEL
FSC/EMT/14/0044
November,2015
Table of Contents
CONSERVATION
OF SPECIES
INTRODUCTION:
The
biosphere constitutes a vital life support system for man. It existence in a
healthy and functional state is essential for the existence of the human race.
It is the complex collection of innumerable organisms. The word conservation
has been derived from the two Latin words “con” meaning together and “servare”
meaning to keep or guard. Literally it means to keep together. Shortly after
the white house conference of 1908 Gifford Pinchot first coined the word
conservation. In general the concept of conservation was started for non
renewable resources, but for renewable resources, also proper management is
necessary. No one knows the exact number of species in our planet. Scientist
believes that the total number of species on our planet is between 10 million
to 80 million (stork and Wilson 1998). However only about 1.4 million have been
identified.
WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?
Complex beyond understanding and valuable beyond measure,
biodiversity is the total variety of life on our planet, which is the total
number of races, varieties, microbes, plants and animals present in a system.
Biological diversity is usually analyzed at 3 different
levels which are ;
·
Diversity
of biotic communities and ecosystem
·
Diversity
of specie in a community
·
Diversity
of genetic organization within a specie
ENDEMISM AND HOT-SPOTS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY:
Endemism species can be define as
those species that are confined only to a particular locality, such organism
are very important from the point of view of conservation on their disappearance
means extinction of the species as they are not found elsewhere.
Naturally, the endemic specie and
their habitats which are likely to be lost forever should receive urgent
conservations attention, once lost there is no way to recover them. Based on
the degree of endemism in specie conservation, Myers (1988) has identified 12
such localities in tropical regions of the world which require urgent
attention. These localities include;
·
Hawaii islands
·
Columbian chako
·
Western equador
·
Uplands of western Amazonia
·
Atlantic forest area of brazil
·
Eastern Madagascar
·
Eastern Himalayas
·
Peninsular Malaysia
·
Northern Borneo
·
Philippines
·
Queens – island, Australia
·
New Caledonia
These hot-spots area represents
0.2% of the earth surface, 3.5% of primary forest biological species; however,
they posse’s 34,400 endemic plant species which is about 27% of all tropical
forest species and 13% of total plant species found on earth.
In 1990, Myers identified another
8 hot-spots of endemic species diversity in other climatic regions of the world
which are:
·
Western floral province, California
·
Central Chile
·
Ivory coast
·
Cape floral province, Africa
·
Western Ghats, India
·
Sri-lanka
·
South west Australia
·
Eastern arc province, Tanzania
These 8 hot-spots covers 0.3% of
world total land surface but posses
15,555 endemic species of plants representing 6% total number of species of
plants worldwide.
On worldwide basis, about 4.9% of
earth land surface has been set aside for nationally protected areas. However,
much of earth hot-spots of biodiversity which comprises only one tenth of these
areas are not protected at all.
IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
To human race, the biosphere is a
life support system. Each species has its own role to play. Conservation of
these biodiversities is vital to biospheres health, stability and proper
functioning. They are four major importance of conservation of species:
1.
Biological diversity as a valuable natural
resource:
Plants and
animals have been exploited by man since time immemorial. Food, clothing,
shelter and a number of useful products come from a wide variety of living
organism. Biological diversity is a valuable natural resource for the survival
of mankind. A gradual reduction of which may result in disappearance of species
of economic value to human race.
2.
Biological diversity as a valuable genetic
resource:
Repeated cultivation of variety over a long period of
time under human care gradually reduces its vigor and productivity and this can
lead to an extensive damage to cultivate species. They yield quality resistance
to disease, pest, and adverse climatic condition are due to genetic factors.
3.
Biological diversity as instrument of
maintaining stable and healthy ecosystem
In an ecosystem everything is related to everything
else. A system of complex interactions exists between various components of a
healthy ecosystem which occur in a state of dynamic equilibrium. There are
several species or alternative which can take over and keep the system in a
functional state. But in a simple system loss of a single or few species could
be catastrophic because of the lack of alternatives. Thus, diversity imparts
stability to an ecosystem.
4.
Biological diversity as a means of optimum
utilization and conservation of abiotic resources in an ecosystem:
Biological diversity serves as ecosystem as an
effective instrument, which ensures optimum utilization of abiotic resources.
In moist tropics with rich biodiversity in the world, most of the nutrients are
lodged in its biotic community. Decomposition of organic matter and
regeneration of nutrients are very rapid processes due to the warm and humid
conditions. A wide variety of plants which include large trees, herbs, shrubs,
grasses, climbers, etc quickly absorb all the nutrients which are made
available to them as a results of mineralization.
REDUCTION IN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY; THE SITUATION TODAY
Millions of years of organic
evolution handed over to us a vast variety of plants, animals, and microbial
species. We have been able to describe only 2.5% to 12% of the total number of
species present on our planet, which scientist believe is between 10-80 million
(John C. Ryan 1992). The approximate total number of species in different taxa
of animal and plant as compiled from taxonomic studies shows that we have about
1,595,255 known species on our planet that is I,685,500 animal species and
about 300,000 plant species.
Ordinarily, if a particular life
form is not located for a considerable period of time, it is considered to be
extinct. But an element of uncertainty always persist, it is not possible to
rule out the possibility of occurrences of the organism in some unexplored
corner of the earth surface.
The pattern of extinction which
emerges from a study of about 500 cases since 1600 AD indicates that nearly 75%
of extinctions have occurred in islands instead of main continents. These were
mostly associated with extinction of European influence. In the case of
continent extinction more than 65% involved aquatic organisms {Diamond 1989)
MAJOR CAUSES OF REDUCTION IN BIODIVERSITY
Usually, disturbances of any type in ecosystems lead reduce its biological diversity. As
human population raises, an ever increasing demand for raw materials, food and
spaced is placed on natural ecosystem while enormous quantities of wastes and
spoils are introduced into the environment. The major causes of reduction in
biological diversity are:
Destruction of natural resources:-
The requirement of
space, food and raw materials for expanding human establishments is one of the
most importance singular causes of such rapid decline. In biodiversity, much of
the surface area of our globe where agriculture or cattle ranching is possible
has been brought under human use. All over the world the process of biological
impoverishments is taking its toll of species after species.
Adverse changes in biotic or abiotic environment
Unfavorable
changes in the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment of an ecosystem
may be brought about by:-
·
Environmental
pollution :-
Pollution involves the introduction of undesirable and
harmful material or energy into the ecosystem. Most of these pollutants, even
seemingly harmless materials adversely affect the biotic community. The hardy,
tenuous and resistance species survive while the weaker and susceptible species
are eliminated.
·
Over
exploitation of selected species:-
Merciless hunting or collection of a selected group of living
organism for food, profit or recreation is an old cause of extermination. There
is a considerable evidence to suggest that the extinction of large pleistone
animals in North America. The wooly mammoth, horses, camels and mastodons was
caused by the Stone Age hunters. Even today hunters and collectors are
significant threat to a number of species.
Whales, elephants, most wild cats, rhinoceros, many species of snake,
crocodiles, etc are mercilessly hunted for their hides, tusks or horns.
Other forms or causes of reduction in biodiversities
include:-
·
Natural
events or calamities
·
Introduction
of exotic species
·
Habitat
fragmentation
CONSERVING THE BIODIVERITY
As human enterprise expands and
biodiversity habitat shrinks, numerous species will be lost. Many protected
areas are too small and subject to frequent changes to sustain the viable
population of species. The conservation of this biodiversity could be in two
forms, we have the ex-situ conservation and the in-situ conservation.
The ex-situ conservation is an
age old practice. Man has been breeding animals and plants under his care for
times immemorial. Ex-situ conservation involves maintenance and breeding of
endangered species of plant and animals under partially or wholly controlled
conditions in zoo, gardens, nurseries and laboratories.
The in-situ conservation involves
the conservation of species in their natural habitat that is in places where
the species normally occur. The natural surrounding or the entire ecosystem is
protected and maintained so that all the constituent species known or unknown
to us are conserved. We simply try to eliminate factors which are detrimental
to the existence of species concerned and nature take care of its own self.
SOME EXTINCT SPECIES IN THE WORLD
|
ANIMAL EXTINCT SPECIES
|
YEAR OF EXTINCTION
|
|
Zanzibar leopard
|
1996
|
|
West African black rhinoceros
|
2006
|
|
Spix macaw
|
2004
|
|
Pyrenean ibex
|
2000
|
|
Round island burrowing boa
|
1975
|
|
Po’ouli
|
2004
|
|
Javan tiger
|
1979
|
|
PLANT EXTINCT SPECIES
|
YEAR OF EXTINCTION
|
|
St. Helena olive tree
|
2003
|
|
Kokia cookei
|
1978
|
|
Woods cycad
|
1916
|
|
Radula visiniaca
|
2000
|
|
Sri lanka legume tree
|
1998
|
|
Arunchal hopea tree
|
1998
|
|
Sigillaria
|
19th century
|
WORLD GENERAL ASSEMBLIES ON CONSERVATION OF SPECIES
Several world assemblies have been held to deal with
environmental issues concerning the extinction of species in the past years by
different organizations. Some of the general assembly’s held in the past
include:
1.
The Rio summit of 1992 in Brazil.
2.
The green web summit of 1984 in Madrid.
3.
The United Nations earth summit in New York.
4.
The IUCN: world wildlife fund of April 1977 in
Switzerland.
5.
The IUCN: world conservation congress of 1969 in
New Delhi India.
While some of the recent and upcoming
events on species conservation include:
1.
The IUCN congress in Hawaii by September 2016.
2.
The 8th world ecosystem service
partnership conference November 2015.
3.
The 6th African Eurasian migratory
water bird agreements session November 2015.
4.
The sustainable ocean summit November 2015.
5.
Forest and livelihood assessments conference
November 2015.
REFERENCES
1.
Environmental problems and solutions D.K.
Asthana and Meera Asthana 1998
2.
Myers N. 1998, threaten biotas.
3.
Myers N. 1990, the biodiversity challenge
4.
Natural resource conservation and environmental
management Prof S.A. Qazi and Prof. Navaid Shabir Qazi, 2008.
5.
Environmental science pp 222-238, willians D.
and Mary Ann 2012
6.
Irin Gray tropical rainforest animal 2012.
7.
www.iisd.ca
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