NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Loading

Tag Conservation

Environment

Commission pledges wetland conservation to support livelihood

By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has pledged to lead wetland conservation efforts to protect the environment and improve local livelihoods.

NIWRMC Acting Executive Director, Mrs Sakinatu Abbo-Jimeta, made this pledge in a statement by Fatima Yusuf, Information and Public Relations Officer of the commission on Monday in Abuja.

Abbo-Jimeta stated this at the Committee meeting on the Development of Conservation Plans and Management of Wetlands in Nigeria.

According to her, wetlands offer numerous benefits, including enhancing fishing and aquaculture, mitigating floods, and improving water supplies.

“They also serves as natural filters for pollutants and are home to a wide range of wildlife,” she said.

She explained that the initiative would focus on developing conservation and management plans for wetlands across the country.

The acting executive director said the meeting served as an opportunity for experts to assess the state of Nigeria’s wetlands and develop strategies for their sustainable use.

Abbo-Jimeta emphasised that wetland assessments are a crucial part of the commission’s conservation policy.

“These assessments will provide important data on the wetland’s hydrology, biodiversity, and soil composition.

“There is a close relationship between wetland assessment and monitoring. Assessments help identify potential threats or benefits, guiding our conservation efforts,” she said.

She added that the Baturiya wetland, in Jigawa would be a pilot site for preliminary assessments.

“This will give us a clear picture of the potential or threats to the Baturiya wetland, allowing us to craft targeted conservation and management plans”.

The meeting also featured presentations from experts on various aspects of wetland management.

Dr Muslim Idris, the Committee Chairman, stressed the need for Nigeria to balance its water resources for better policy formulation and management.

He noted the importance of understanding the country’s water input and output.

Experts including Prof. Georgina Samuel and Dr Isa Dutse, shared findings on the biodiversity and challenges facing the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands.

Dr Sadiq Muktar presented on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to identify wetlands.

The initiative, he said, was critical as Nigeria’s wetlands are under increasing pressure from human activity, pollution, and climate change.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIWRMC aims to protect wetlands for future generations while improving the well-being of those who depends on them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Video & Audio: Rare great Ape caught on video in Cross River

By Christian Njoku
Mr Adekambi Adeyinka, a Masters student at the University of Calabar, has captured stunning footages of the world’s rarest great ape, the Cross River gorillas, in the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Adeyinka of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, disclosed this in Calabar while reacting to the need to protect the rare apes on the list of endangered species due to human activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the extraordinary sightings marked the first successful photos since three graduate students at UniCal began studying this elusive subspecies in 2023.

NAN reports that the study was part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative.

The Cross River Gorilla, known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, is a critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla.

It was named a new species in 1904 by Paul Matschie, a mammalian taxonomist working at the Humboldt University Zoological Museum in Berlin, but its populations were not systematically surveyed until 1987.[3][4]

It is the most western and northern form of gorilla, and is restricted to the forested hills and mountains of the Cameroon-Nigeria border region at the headwaters of Cross River.

Estimates from 2014 suggest that fewer than 250 mature Cross River gorillas remain, making them the world’s rarest great ape.

Adeyinka said that the sighting was more than just a visual success and underscored the importance of community involvement and innovative research in conservation.

“By working closely with local communities, we are not only gathering crucial data but also fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protect these incredible great apes and their habitat,” he said.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of their strategic pillar of saving species in peril.

Onoja said the University of Calabar in 2022 commenced a five Year Community Conservation Graduate Student Scholarship Programme for the Conservation of Cross River Gorilla.

He said the initiative was funded by the Wilder Institute – Calgary Zoo and implemented by NCF in partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), Ghana.

“The programme which involves supporting graduate research projects in Nigeria, including scholarships for one Ph.D. student and four master’s students in UniCal for five years.

“This collaborative initiative extends beyond borders to allow an exchange programme for knowledge sharing that creates successful community conservation initiatives,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel Owan, the Head of NCF Calabar office, disclosed that the foundation was putting in place measures to ensure that the gorillas are put in their natural habitat for their safety and continued existence.

Prof. Francis Bisong, Secretary, Cross River Gorilla Conservation Project Committee, said Adeyinka’s result was promising as it demonstrated the power of collaboration to save the severely endangered Cross River gorillas.

Bisong said the capture of two silverback gorillas on trial cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary emphasised the need for innovative technology, collaborative and community engagement to safeguard the species and its environment.

“These findings highlight the sanctuary’s vital role in gorilla protection and the need for more research and collaboration to conserve Cross River gorillas and the region’s rich biodiversity.

“I urge the scientific community, conservation organisations, and stakeholders at all levels to support and extend this essential effort to protect one of the world’s rarest and most fragile species,” he said.

Dr Mary Liao, Conservation Manager, Wilder Institute, said the images captured by the camera traps were an incredible glimpse into the life of the elusive and magnificent creatures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/DE/IS
=========
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

Environment

Agency unveils new water conservation techniques for plants

By Ishaq Abdullahi

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NGGW), on Thursday demonstrated the use of new planting technology and water conservation for plants in Katsina.

It’s referred to as “Water Trap Box”, to conserve water for plants.

The agency’s Field Officer in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Taheer, explained that the technology was aimed to conserve water for plants to grow with or without rain.

Taheer said the demonstration was part of activities lined up by the agency to commemorate Great Green Wall being celebrated on July 13 every year.

“The NGGW has been doing so much to the environment, that was why we deemed it fit to assemble all its achievements recorded in the field and showcase them to the world, including the technologies.”

“Within the period under review, the agency was able to cover 150 kilometres of shelter belts in the state, reclaimed 150 hectres of arid lands.

“We trained not less than 50 individuals on how to rear ruminant animals in about five communities in the state.

“We distributed solar powered system, solar powered water tanks and grinding machines to individuals in the state to improve their wellbeing,” he said.

The Katsina State Director of Forestry, Iliyasu Ladan, stressed the importance of tree planting and called on the tiers of government to support tree planting campaign against global warming.

Ladan disclosed that 1,000,000 assorted seedlings had been raised by the state government for free distribution to the residents to combat climate change effect. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman