Sustainable Biodiversity as a Means to Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change in the Niger Delta
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the role of sustainable biodiversity in mitigating the effects of climate change in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. To achieve this overarching objective, the study aims to:
- Investigate the intricate relationship between biodiversity and climate change mitigation in the Niger Delta.
- Examine the capacity of biodiversity-rich habitats in the Niger Delta to enhance ecosystem resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change.
- Investigate the potential feedback loops resulting from biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
The ecological interaction between climate change and biodiversity in Nigeria
There is an established dynamic interaction between climate change and biodiversity (ecosystem services and adaptation). Climate could change as a result of natural factors and or human activities. When this occurs, it completely alters biodiversity, agricultural production, food security, and the ecosystem. This has resulted in the migration, extinction and possibly death of endemic species of fauna and flora. The impact of climate change on biodiversity cannot be over-emphasized. Biodiversity reacts in diverse forms in response to a changing climate. However, changes in climatic conditions differ between continental and oceanic environments as well as the effects will differ greatly between different species of plants and animals (Crawfor, 2005) [5] . Climate change is already having an impact on biodiversity, and is projected to become a progressively more significant threat in the coming decades. Loss of Arctic sea ice threatens biodiversity across an entire biome and beyond. The related pressure of ocean acidification, resulting from higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is also already being observed (UN’s Global biodiversity outlook, 2010) [21] . The importance of biodiversity as a nation’s natural resource is enormous because of the specific services they provide and needs they satisfy. Ecosystems play an important role in climate change adaptation processes, since some of the services they provide, may reduce the impacts of extreme events and disturbance, such as wildfires, floods, and droughts. This role is important in regions vulnerable to climate change such as the African continent, whose adaptation capacity is limited by many geographic and socio-economic constraints (Walter, Ulisses, Abdul-Lateef, Andréia, Serafino, Desalegn, Edmond, Adeleke, Felix, and Nicholas, 2021)[24] . Biodiversity indicates abundance of life and its support systems. This is important in countries with increasing population like Nigeria. Biodiversity helps in maintaining the functions of the ecosystem. Nigeria is rich in species diversity and biological resources. Biodiversity and human wellbeing in Nigeria are inseparable. The uniqueness of nutritional support from biodiversity in Nigeria lies in the broad-based ecosystem diversity across the length and breadth of Nigeria: from the south to the north and from the east to the west of the country (Nigeria Fifth National Biodiversity Report, 2015) [18] . Nigerians appreciate biodiversity in different ways. The nation’s biodiversity constitutes the source of food, raw materials, wide range of goods and services and genetic materials for agriculture, medicines and health-care support, domestic and commercial products, aesthetics and cultural values. These biodiversity also provides ecosystem services that improve the value and knowledge about life. The value of biodiversity to Nigerians is closely linked to the wide range of the various ecosystems found in areas such as Guinea, Sahel, and Sudan Savanna which are rich in wildlife and timber product, Niger delta with diverse sea food sources, southern Nigerian with rainforest belt, providing a huge base for food resources among others (Nigeria Fifth National Biodiversity Report, 2015) [18] . The USAID Report on Biodiversity and Tropical Forestry Assessment (2002) reveals that there are numerous environmental threats in Nigeria affecting biodiversity. Nigeria’s climate has been changing, evidences are seen in increased temperature and rainfall, rise in sea level, flooding, drought, desertification, land degradation and loss of biodiversity amongst others. Some of the plant and animal species in Nigeria are threatened to extinction and degradation resulting from the changing climate. Biodiversity in Nigeria is under the threat of extinction from climate change, other land use practices and economic development. According to the IUCN Red list of 2013, Nigeria has a total of 309 threatened species in the following taxonomic categories:
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Sustainable biodiversity as a means to mitigating the effects of climate change in Niger Delta. Residents in portharcourt forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Sustainable biodiversity as a means to mitigating the effects of climate change in Niger Delta. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Sustainable biodiversity as a means to mitigating the effects of climate change in Niger Delta.
Summary
This study was on Sustainable biodiversity as a means to mitigating the effects of climate change in Niger Delta. Three objectives were raised which included; Investigate the intricate relationship between biodiversity and climate change mitigation in the Niger Delta, Examine the capacity of biodiversity-rich habitats in the Niger Delta to enhance ecosystem resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change and investigate the potential feedback loops resulting from biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in portharcourt. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainable biodiversity emerges as a promising means to mitigate the effects of climate change in the Niger Delta. This study underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts among policymakers, local communities, researchers, and conservationists to preserve and restore the Delta’s ecosystems. By harnessing the potential of biodiversity, the Niger Delta can navigate the complex landscape of climate change while fostering a harmonious coexistence between nature and human well-being.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations are put forth to guide policymakers, local communities, conservation organizations, and stakeholders in harnessing sustainable biodiversity to effectively mitigate the effects of climate change in the Niger Delta:
- Invest in comprehensive biodiversity assessments to better understand the current state of ecosystems, species distribution, and potential climate change impacts.
- Foster partnerships between research institutions, governmental bodies, and local communities to gather reliable and up-to-date data on biodiversity trends and climate change effects.
- Empower local communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to participate actively in biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation efforts.
- Encourage the establishment of community-led conservation programs that align with traditional knowledge and local practices.
References
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- Adger, W. N., Hughes, T. P., Folke, C., Carpenter, S. R., & Rockström, J. (2016). Social-ecological resilience to coastal disasters. Science, 309(5737), 1036-1039.
- CBD. (2009). Connecting Biodiversity and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Report of the Second Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Biodiversity and Climate Change. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Díaz, S., Pascual, U., Stenseke, M., Martín-López, B., Watson, R. T., Molnár, Z., … & Shirayama, Y. (2019). Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES.
- Donato, D. C., Kauffman, J. B., Murdiyarso, D., Kurnianto, S., Stidham, M., & Kanninen, M. (2011). Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics. Nature Geoscience, 4(5), 293-297.
- IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part B: Regional Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
