By Aliyu DANLADI
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti on Monday called on Lagosians to view wetlands protection as a veritable solution to climate change.
Wetlands are parts of landscape that are defined by the presence of water.
More specifically, wetlands are areas where the presence of water determines or influences most, if not all, of an area’s bio-geochemistry, that is, the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of a particular site.
Durosinmi-Etti said that wetlands should be seen as a means for conserving the environment for posterity.
He said that the World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on Feb. 2 was designated by the United Nations to raise global awareness on the value of wetlands for humanity.
The commissioner said that this was with a view to encouraging the protection of this invaluable natural resource.
He said that this year’s theme of the World Wetlands Day: “Wetlands and Climate Change’’, was very instructive as it was expected that it would impel actions across the world against wetlands loss.
Durosinmi-Etti said that the wetlands loss was due to socio-economic pressures and climate change, among others.
“The coastal state of Lagos, in spite of its blessing with enormous wetlands resources that can be relied upon to conserve nature and fight climate change, has for so long contended with the pressure of development.
“The pressure of development is inexorably draining this vital natural gift, ‘’ he said in a statement.
Durosinmi-Etti said that it had become necessary for stakeholders to collaborate for the protection of wetlands in the state and in particular Nigeria as a whole, considering the key roles played by wetlands in sustaining the environment.
He said that Lagos, like other coastal states, was susceptible to effects of climate change such as sea level rise, choral bleaching and change in water temperature.
According to him, wetlands play important roles in coping with these challenges by being useful in absorbing and storing carbon, reducing floods, relieving droughts, reducing storm surges and protecting coastlines.
“It is for these reasons that the government of Lagos State shares the aspiration of the rest of the world for safe wetlands.
“This is what underscores our annual recognition of every Feb. 2 for advocating sustainable wetlands usage, ‘’ Durosinmi-Etti said.
