NES Raises Alarm Over Deforestation, Erosion, Flood In C'River
By Judex OKORO
The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has raised concern over increasing spate of erosion, flooding, landslides, pollution, poor waste management and deforestation in Cross River State.
NES stated that these environmental challenges are threats to humanity and develolment which requires urgent intervention.
The new Chairman of the society in the state, who is also its National Public Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Johnson, who expressed the concern in an interview with newsmen recently in Calabar, said Cross River’s location within the coastal and rainforest zones, coupled with intense rainfall, made several parts of the state vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and landslides.
According to him, the situation is worsened by indiscriminate disposal of waste, construction in flood-prone areas, deforestation and other activities that degrade the environment.
“Cross River is part of the coastal zone, and there is danger of landslide and erosion in the region.
“We are also within the rainforest belt and we have intense rainfall. When we have intense rainfall, we have flooding."
The chairman said indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage channels and gullies could aggravate flooding by obstructing the free flow of water.
Johnson said the resulting floods could damage roads, buildings and other infrastructure while increasing the risk of erosion and landslides.
He also expressed concern over deforestation and indiscriminate logging in the interior parts of the state, saying the activities were threatening biodiversity and the rainforest ecosystem.
To address the challenges, the NES chairman said the society had constituted committees to identify and document environmental problems in each of the 18 local government areas of the state.
He said the exercise would produce an environmental profile containing identified challenges and proposed solutions that could assist government in planning interventions.
“We want to identify what the environmental challenges are in the state today.
“Landslide and erosion are everywhere. Mining is also taking a lot of issues within the state.
“We want to compile the environmental challenges in each local government area and, from that outlook, proffer solutions,” he said.
Johnson said the document would subsequently be presented to government and the public to guide interventions and environmental planning.
The chairman also called for improved mapping of flood-prone areas to prevent people from buying land and constructing buildings in locations vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
He said residents often acquired land without adequately considering the environmental characteristics of the areas.
“If government begins to map out some areas and gives information on where people can buy land and build their structures, the impact will be reduced,” he said.
He advocated a stronger emergency response system capable of responding quickly to early warning signs of flooding, landslides and other environmental disasters.
According to him, early intervention will help reduce loss of lives and property during emergencies.
Beyond government intervention, the chairman said individuals and communities must take greater responsibility for environmental protection.
He said the NES would intensify environmental education and sensitisation programmes at the grassroots to promote responsible environmental practices.
Johnson disclosed plans to establish environmental clubs in primary and secondary schools across the state.
According to him, the initiative will expose pupils and students to environmental issues and enable them to transfer the knowledge to their homes and communities.
“We want to go to primary and secondary schools and establish environmental clubs where we can talk to them about the environment.
“We want to give them the knowledge that will enable them to manage the environment within their space."
The chairman said the society would also organise an environmental summit to bring together government agencies, industries, communities, experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on environmental challenges confronting Cross River.
Johnson said the summit would provide an opportunity to develop practical solutions and attract partnerships to support environmental protection.
He said the NES would continue to collaborate with government agencies, regulators, academic institutions, and international organisations to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
The chairman said environmental protection required collective action, stressing that the consequences of environmental degradation affected communities, businesses, government infrastructure, and future generations.
He urged residents to avoid practices capable of worsening flooding, erosion, pollution, and deforestation while calling on relevant authorities to strengthen environmental enforcement and planning.
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