By Abdulrahman Abdullahi
The Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate with it to address wetlands degradation in the country.
The Minister made the call during a virtual meeting organised by the ministry in collaboration with Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to mark the 2021 World Wetlands Day.
Abubakar stressed on the relentless effort of Federal Government in the fulfillment of various multilateral environmental conventions, agreements and protocols toward the attainment of national and global targets.
He said World Wetlands Day was celebrated every Feb. 2 to create awareness on the importance of wetlands for environmental sustainability, human well-being, value of wetlands for the people and the planet.
According to him, a wetland as a distinct ecosystem flooded by water either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevailed, and rich in biodiversity.
“Wetlands contribute immensely to tackling climate change challenges by enhancing the adaptation and resilience capacity of the ecosystems,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria wetlands endowment stood out in Africa, being one of the internationally recognised wetlands in the world.
“Majority of these wetlands are found in Niger Delta, Benue and Chad Basin and along the entire coast of Nigeria including freshwater/mangrove ecosystems. While 11 of them have been designated as Ramsar sites.
“We will also not relent in our commitments to the fulfillment of various multilateral environmental conventions, agreements and protocols toward the attainment of national and global targets,” Abubakar said.
Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director-General, NCF, said that wetlands sustained life as it kept the people healthy, supplied food, supported food production , provided jobs, protected natural disaster and many more.
In his remarks, Mr Sean Melbourne, Head of Climate Change and Energy West Africa, British High Commission, also called on relevant stakeholders to work together toward addressing wetlands degradation.
The theme for the 2021 World Wetlands Day celebration is: “Wetlands and Freshwater’’.