As State join in
celebrating World Wetlands Day
The Lagos State Government on Sunday renewed call for the conservation of
wetlands resources in the State, saying they represent a critical part
of the natural environment.
The call was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello in an interview as part of the commemoration of the 2020 World Wetlands Day.
He added that
wetlands also help in reducing the impacts of flood, absorbing pollutant and
improving water quality.
Bello said that Lagos State as a coastal State has associated with the rest of
the world in marking the 2020 World Wetlands day with the theme: “Wetland and
Biodiversity”.
He stated that this year’s theme “Wetland and Biodiversity” is unique
and an opportunity to highlight wetland biodiversity, its status and why it
matters,
He added that it’s an opportunity to promote actions to reverse its loss as it is now facing unprecedented extinction rates, threatening ecosystems with severe consequences for human survival.
He stated that Lagos State is seizing the opportunity of the World Wetlands day
to sensitize Lagosians on the importance of wetlands, calling for more
community participation in wetlands management and conservation in the State.
“This year’s celebration is dwelling more on creating awareness against
encroachment and abuse of wetlands, educating people on the importance of
wetlands to the ecology and economy of the State and to foster community
participation in wetlands management in the State” he said”.
The Commissioner maintained that Wetlands were vital for human survival
explaining that they are unique and distinct ecosystem that is
flooded, either permanently or seasonally by water and is known to sustain
enormous life and also provide valuable economical services to humanity.
He added that wetlands were one of the world’s most productive
environments, serving as cradles of biological diversity that provide
water and engender the sustenance and survival of countless species of
plants and animals.
He stressed that wetlands are blessings to the communities where they exist
because they serve as water reservoir, fertile for food and vegetable
production, handcrafts and shelter, adding that they provide abode for
cultural, recreational and tourist activities.
While emphasizing the vital roles of wetlands, Bello said it is faced
with many threats from human activities and is the most threatened ecosystems
globally.
“It is rather unfortunate that enough consideration is not given to Wetlands as
encroachment and abuse of Wetlands is a common experience to the extent that
majority of the Wetlands in the State had been reclaimed with refuse and in
some cases sand filled for conversion to other uses” he said.
To stem this development, the Environment Commissioner stated that the State
Government would step up its monitoring and advocacy programme and ensure
stakeholders collaboration for the protection of the state’s wetland resources.