The Inner Niger Delta Project: Environmental, social and economic consequences of dredging the Lower Niger River on the communities

Transcription

1 The Inner Niger Delta Project: Environmental, social and economic consequences of dredging the Lower Niger River on the communities Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons University of Agriculture Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries Management PMB 2240, Abeokuta,, Nigeria

2 Abstract A proposed action by the Federal Government of Nigeria to dredge a year-round round navigation channel in the Lower Niger River some 573 kilometers upstream from Warri to Baro had been discussed and underway. The purpose of the project is to promote the economic development of the country, especially Northern Nigeria. A number of "concerned communities" along the proposed waterway and throughout the Niger Delta have voiced concerns about its potential environmental, social, and economic impacts.

3 Abstract..contd This paper focuses on the social implication of the project and the consequences on the biological communities of this oil rich delta ecosystem. The impact of the project on the environmental flow of the river regime is further discussed. It concludes by recommending sustainable dredging practices for the area.

4 Introduction There are three major drainage systems in Nigeria: the River of Niger and Benue, coastal and Lake Chad. The total area of inland water bodies is estimated to be slightly over 12 million ha. Although inland fisheries resources are rich, precise knowledge of the state of the resources is lacking. Nigeria is a leading fish-producing country, with t per annum after Senegal and Ghana. It also has an important marine resource potential of t.

5 Introduction contd. Nigeria has the highest concentration in Africa of artisanal marine fishermen ( in 1997) and is a major source of employment. In addition to the full-time operators, there are also many part-time time fishermen that cultivate the land or embark on non-fishing income-generating activities outside the fishing season.

6 The Niger Delta a coastal region of global environmental and economic significance one of the world s s largest wetlands the world s s largest mangrove forest Africa s s largest and the world s s third largest delta West and Central Africa s s most extensive freshwater swamp forest

7 The Niger Delta.contd a mosaic of diverse and sensitive ecosystems that traverse four vegetation zones Nigeria s s last remaining pristine rain forests one of the continent s s few remaining habitats of unique biological species one of the world s s major hydrocarbon provinces

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9 The location and the people

10 9 30' 21 00' 51 30' N W E 21 00' S 21 00' 9 30' 9 30' Kilometers Nigeria Africa 9 30' 21 00' 51 30' Map of Africa showing the location of Nigeria

11 The Scenario The Niger and Benue Rivers are to be dredged in order to create water ways but Dredging and dredging activities are known to be accompanied by ecological impacts including damage and often irreparable consequences to the flora and fauna, coastal topography and impairment of water quality (Ohimain( Ohimain,, 2004). Dredging in sensitive ecosystems may have serious impacts if not well managed.

12 The scenario contd Many dredging projects (oil and gas) have been carried out in the Niger Delta region for many years, most of which had left serious implications unsolved in the entire area. Among these are Escravos, Ugborodo,, Bonny etc. In this paper, the impacts of the proposed dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue in relation to topography, land use, hydrology, fish resources and accumulated loss of wetlands in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

13 1 30' 3 00' 4 30' 6 00' 7 30' 9 00' 10 30' 12 00' 13 30' 15 00' 14 00' N 14 00' W E S 12 30' 12 30' 11 00' 11 00' 9 30' 9 30' # Baro 8 00' 6 30' 5 00' Lagos # Warri # Lokoja # # Brass # # # Idah ## Agenebode Asaba Patani ### Onitsha Makurdi Oron # # Major settlements. Rivers Niger and Benue National Boundary Km 8 00' 6 30' 5 00' 1 30' 3 00' 4 30' 6 00' 7 30' 9 00' 10 30' 12 00' 13 30' 15 00' Distance earmarked for dredging

14 The problem Political: People and Oil land Social: People and their resources Economic: People and their money

15 Why this discussion? Sometime before February 1999, the (then) Petroleum Trust Fund (now the Ecological Fund) initiated a project to dredge and maintain a navigation channel of about 573 km in the Lower Niger River from Baro to Warri. The channel would be 100 m wide, with a minimum average depth of 2.5 m, for year-round shipping.

16 Why this discussion?...contd contd The initial dredging operation would involve the removal and disposal of some 16 million cubic meters of dredge spoil (material). The scope of the dredging contract, which was awarded in advance of draft EIA report preparation, stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria planned to:

17 Why this discussion contd contd (a) dredge about 573 km of the Lower River Niger Waterway, from Warri to Baro; (b) develop and/or complete inland ports at Idah, Lokoja, Baro and Onitsha;

18 (c) develop river training works; (d) plan and initiate recurrent (maintenance) dredging, on completion of the capital dredging. While the development of inland waterways transport [IWT] has proven to be successful in many countries world-wide, there is a real need to study how and in what way IWT can benefit the Nigerian economy in order to justify any investments in this sector.

19 1 30' 3 00' 4 30' 6 00' 7 30' 9 00' 10 30' 12 00' 13 30' 15 00' 14 00' N 14 00' W E S 12 30' 12 30' 11 00' 11 00' 9 30' 9 30' # Baro 8 00' 6 30' 5 00' Lagos # Warri # Lokoja # # Brass # # # Idah ## Agenebode Asaba Patani ### Onitsha Makurdi Oron # # Major settlements. Rivers Niger and Benue National Boundary Km 8 00' 6 30' 5 00' 1 30' 3 00' 4 30' 6 00' 7 30' 9 00' 10 30' 12 00' 13 30' 15 00' Distance earmarked for dredging

20 The general concern centers on: (a)the Master plan (b) The Construction (c) The Effects on (i) the environment (ii) the people (iii) the resources.

21 1. Effects on the environment Loss of ecosystems or ecotones Loss in biodiversity? i.e species diversity, number, distribution, abundance Loss of ecosystem function and habitats Loss of potential resources e.g. drug finding Loss of economic value Modification effects on the potentials of the sysytem

22 Effects on the environment....contd Modification of stream flows Pollution of existing water supplies Changes in the water table Chemical pollution from vessels Increase in solid wastes and suspended solids Spills

23 2. Effects on the people Who are these people in question? Fishers, processors, traders and the growing number of fish farmers form an extensive and growing group of entrepreneurs in this area, they serve as agents of economic development in otherwise remote areas. If the right steps are taken and continuing appropriate support is provided, their energy can be galvanised by improving access to new technologies, new credit sources and new markets. The dredging is likely going to impact negatively on this group of people

24 On the farming communities

25 Dredging this river will cause setbacks to fisherfolks

26 The peculiar people of the Niger Delta Ijaws, Urhobos, Itsekiri, Isokos Coastal farmers River bank farmers and sediment-laded villagers Mangrove depended local population: for raphia palms used for house construction for mangrove shell fish and other dominant fish spp for medicinal plants and herbs for age long traditional uses

27 3. Effects on the resources Resource group 1 The Non-renewable 1. Fishing grounds 2. Adjacent land for farming 3. Ancient Heritage and Shrines 4. Drinking water

28 3. Effects on the resources contd contd The Non-renewable 5. The Inherited landmarks 6. Recreation grounds and cherished canals [ the figures that follow will express the vivid feelings]

29 The beauty of some of the scenes

30 Rhizophora mucarata Avicennia Creek

31 Environmental resources

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33 The rural populace here depend on this water

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35 The dredging is a major threat to mangrove Ecosystem Cutting of the mangrove Plants for timber

36 3. Effects on the resources contd Resource group 2 The Renewable resources The fin-fish fish resources The River mammals The Shellfish- Shrimps and Prawns

37 The Way out Initiating a well conceived Environmental Impact Assessment of the project Putting in place a workable Mitigation options Enforcement of well prepared management plan for the entire water course Political will to live up-to to-promise

38 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

39 Humans are always cutting the tree of life!!!