Assessing the Niger Delta Residents’ Awareness on Socio-Culture Effect of Wetland Loss

Abstract

The degradation of Niger Delta ecosystem is due to activities such as crude oil exploitation, agricultural activities, urbanization among others that affects the socio-culture impact of its dwellers. The study's aim was to assess the Niger Delta residents’ awareness on socio-culture effect of wetlands loss. This paper engaged the exploration of literature reviews, the randomly selection of communities in three Niger Delta states which includes Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta state and a questionnaire was utilized with 150 participants. The findings demonstrated that less awareness on the effect of wetland loss has impacted the residents. Also industrial activities have affected the wetlands and the health status of the dwellers where the loss of these wetlands have caused destruction as in flooding which had displaced many dwellers. Effective monitoring and enforcement of existing and new policies on conservation of these wetlands should be prioritized. Consequently there should be increased sensitization and awareness in the communities on environmental protection and conservation.