SRADeV seeks stronger Mangrove protection to curb flooding#

SRADeV seeks stronger Mangrove protection to curb flooding

Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has urged governments to strengthen enforcement against activities threatening Nigeria’s rapidly declining mangrove ecosystems.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Leslie Adogame Executive Director, SRADeV Nigeria and made available to the Newsmen on Monday in Lagos

Newsmen reports that SRADeV made the call to commemorate World Mangrove Day.

The organisation said stronger enforcement was necessary to reduce rising floods and protect millions depending on coastal resources for livelihoods.

It said Nigeria hosts one of Africa’s largest mangrove ecosystems, spanning about 504,800 hectares in the Niger Delta and 95,000 hectares in Cross River State.

According to the organisation, the country’s mangroves rank as the third largest globally and provide critical ecological and economic benefits.

SRADeV noted that flooding had become more frequent in coastal communities, disrupting livelihoods, destroying property and increasing pressure on public infrastructure.

It attributed the worsening situation partly to continuous degradation of mangrove forests, which naturally protect shorelines against flooding, erosion and storm surges.

The organisation said mangroves also absorb carbon emissions, conserve biodiversity and support fisheries, tourism and local economic development.

It expressed concern that rapid urbanisation, industrial activities, sand dredging and land reclamation continued to destroy vital mangrove habitats, particularly in Lagos and Port Harcourt.

It added that pollution, fuelwood harvesting, invasive nipa palms and weak environmental law enforcement had further accelerated mangrove degradation across the Niger Delta.

Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, described mangrove loss as one of the greatest environmental challenges confronting Nigeria’s coastal communities.

He said recurrent flooding had become a direct consequence of continued destruction of mangrove ecosystems.

Adogame urged authorities to prioritise effective enforcement of environmental regulations protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

The statement also quoted Mr Victor Fabunmi, Programmes Manager of SRADeV Nigeria, as saying that stronger enforcement and coordinated monitoring could reverse current trends.

Fabunmi also advocated the designation of Lagos wetlands under the Ramsar Convention to strengthen legal protection and conservation efforts.

The organisation urged governments to deploy technology-driven monitoring systems and enforce stricter approval processes for dredging and land reclamation activities.

It also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and tougher sanctions against environmental offenders.

SRADeV further urged the Federal Government to finalise and operationalise the National Wetland Policy, which has remained in draft form since 2001.

According to the organisation, the policy should be backed by clear implementation targets and strengthened enforcement capacity.

SRADeV called on governments, businesses and communities to protect mangrove forests, describing them as essential for flood resilience, food security, economic stability and sustainable coastal development.