Environment
UNDP Moves To Protect Forests In Andoni …Plans Elephants’ Cluster
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is proposing some measures to check the increasing rate of elephants and human conflicts in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Some of the proposed measures include the creation of an elephant sanctuary in the area, provision of adequate training to some selected youths in the area with a view to guarding the forests against the activities of poachers as well as sensitising the communities to regard the animals as one of their heritage.
An elephant biologist and a consultant to the UNDP, John Msheltbewala said at a training session in Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, that the increasing rate of urbanisation on the Andoni mainland was bound to bring conflict between elephants and communities in the area.
Msheltbewala also decried the destructive activities of the Nipa palm in the area, stressing that though the palm will always occupy a place, it will not contribute meaningfully to the increase of the elephant population and other wildlife.
The expert stressed the need for the Andoni Local Government Council to enact by-laws that will designate some parts of the area as wildlife sanctuary for endangered species.
According to him, the local government council must also train and develop the capacities of the local communities to enforce the by-laws.
“Create awareness in the value of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection among communities. Promote wildlife, cultural and ecosystem conservation tourism,” he said.
Also speaking, a retired forestry officer with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Agriculture, Amoru George Waripabo said that since 1992, when the population of elephants in the Island was put at 46, the number has continued to decline due to the activities of poachers.
Chief Waripabo said that he was sent by the Government of old Rivers State to contain elephants aggression in the area in 1992.
He said that the expedition led to the destruction of two elephants, stressing that the conflict can be reduced if the UNDP’s proposal for the creation of an elephant sanctuary is implemented.
According to him, Andoni Local Government Area with 124sq km will find it difficult to contain the elephant population, stressing that the local government council must do everything necessary to maintain the elephant population.
The retired forestry officer described the Andoni elephant forest as an untapped treasure.
“The fact is that elephants need more areas. 124sq km is not enough for 46 elephants. Elephants are not trouble makers. Andoni is already sitting on treasures,” he said.
Also speaking, a retired forestry officer with the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Elijah A. Leh said that since previous administrations in the state had failed to put in place measures towards preserving the elephants, it now behoves the people to take up the challenge of preserving the animals for their unborn generations.
Mr. Leh, who spoke on community-based conservation approach, said that several communities stand to benefit from the programme.
He thanked UNDP for bringing the programme to the community level and urged the communities to key into the programme with a view to improving their capacities and their economies.
Some of the participants that included Awajimam Jonah Ogwuokwa from Ngo, Lambert Wilfred from Okoroboile, Sam Benoni Thompsom from Agana town and others described the training as timely, adding that it has helped them to know that elephants are not enemies to mankind, but treasures to be preserved for future generations.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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