Activist Lists Threats To Mangrove Forest

An Environmental Right Activist in the Niger Delta, Mr Jerry Chidi says the Niger Delta mangrove forest is under threat following the incessant oil spills in the region.
Chidi who said this during on event to commemorate the international day for the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem in Port Harcourt also listed other threats to include: the spread of the Nipapalm in the region and incessant harvesting of mangrove trees for firewood by the natives.
He said within the last three years, the region has experienced more oil spills.
According to him, in 2018, 600 oil spills were recorded in the region, while in 2019 700 spills were recorded.
He said Nipapalm has continued to threaten the mangrove ecosystem of the region.
Chidi said time has come for the people of the Niger Delta to stop activities that will destroy their mangrove forest as it will exposé their communities and the entire region to the adverse impact of climate change. The environmentalist called on governments of the Niger Delta to emulate other countries where certain parts of their urban areas are designated as mangrove reserves.
Meanwhile, Media Awareness and Justice initiative, a non governmental organization has tasked environmental journalists on use of data for their reportage. The organisation said this at a Capacity Building Workshop for Environmental Journalists using Data Analysis at participatory in Port Harcourt.
The workshop which was organised with supports from the French embassy in Nigeria through the innovative projects from civil societies coalition of actors also introduces the data casting biodiversity (DATACAB) project .
Lead speaker at the event, Okoro Onyekachi Emmanuel said environmental stories show enough data as impact.
According to him, journalists reporting environmental event such as soot need to be factual to drive their point home.
He said the group is on the verge of developing a portal that will simplified information for journalists .
Emmanuel s said the project was carried out in both Rivers Bayelsa State.
He said the group is also engaging with schools to train students on ways of developing clean cooking stove.

By: John Bibor