The need to address the rapidly
degrading coasts of Nigeria was the main focus of a recent workshop held in
Calabar. With the theme “Living with coastal erosion in southern Nigeria,” the
forum was organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment and sponsored by the
German non-profit Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Attending regional experts
and dignitaries reported that rising sea levels due to global warming have
caused some islands in the nation’s Delta region to disappear, with residents
who have been forced to relocate to safer locations.
Meanwhile, Dr.
Victor Fodeke, head of a special climate change committee for the Ministry of
the Environment, emphasized the vital nature of the nation’s islands and regions
like the Delta as essential areas for living and livelihoods.
Also
raised at the meeting was a warning given 20 years ago by Professors Chidi Ibe
and Benjamin Akpati of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine
Research, who had reported then that Nigeria was already losing coastal land at
an alarming rate.
Minister of the Environment John Odey reaffirmed the
Nigerian government’s commitment to alleviating the risks posed by the coastal
loss, while a document presented by the Heinrich Böll Foundation included
suggestions such as building barriers along the coast, raising the heights of
roads and rail routes and reforestation with mangrove species.
The
meeting concluded with a consensus agreement on the high vulnerability of the
affected communities as sea levels continue to rise, and the need to address the
issues at hand.
Our appreciation, Your Excellencies, Heinrich Böll
Foundation members, Nigerian government, and all policy-makers working to
safeguard the precious Nigerian land and her people.
Let us all join swiftly
in sustainable efforts to halt global warming for the sake of humanity and our
ecosphere.
In her concern for humanity’s well-being, Supreme Master Ching
Hai mentioned as she has many times the urgent solution to our Earth’s fragile
state during an October 2009 videoconference in Formosa (Taiwan).
Supreme Master Ching Hai: We also do not forget
all the islands in other countries who are submerging or sinking or disappearing
or disappeared because of climate change. My heart is troubled every day,
thinking of all these innocent people and all the defenseless animals who have
to suffer in this great upheaval we call climate change. But we still have time
We could stop future disasters by converting, returning to the compassionate
vegan diet and encouraging others to do the same.
The government has the
power to do this. I beg all the governments of the world, please, do this before
it’s too late, for the sake of your citizens and your own children as well.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/sunday_magazine/article05/090510?pdate=090510&ptitle=Nigeria%27s%20Islands%20Lost%20To%20Atlantic%20Oceanhttp://climatechange.110mb.com/effects-sea-level-rise.htmhttp://ecomerge.blogspot.com/2010/05/losing-ground.htmlhttp://www.thengnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8717
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