The Niger Delta Environmental and Relief Foundation (NIDEREF has ended a roundtable discussion with the affected coastal Local Govt Areas on establishment of environmental zone comprising Andoni, Khana, Gokana and Ogu/Bolo LGA’s in Rivers State.
The roundtable discussion was held at El-queen Hotel, Bori in Khana Local Government Area last Tuesday.
Delivering a keynote address, one of the trustees of NIDEREF Prof. Ben Naanen told representatives of the costal communities in Rivers State that the purpose of the meeting was to protect the environment that belongs to the local people.
Prof. Naanen further disclosed that the zone will work together for peace and the protection of their waterways.
The university Don. Stated that communities within the costal line of Rivers State needs to come together to protect their environment against pollution and the protection of our land, water among others.
Prof. Ben Naanen who is also a lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt told participants to proffer solutions to environmental degradation, such as oil bunkering, oil spill, mangrove extinction among others.
The lead discussant Dr. Nenibarini Zabbey stated that community sustainability of resources is vital to the socio-economic development of communities.
Dr. Zabbey reminded participants on some of fishing restriction in the past in our various communities to protect the little ones.
He said sanction must be taken against obnoxious fishermen, who used chemical like gemalin 20 for the purpose of fishing.
Dr. Zabbey also from the University of Port Harcourt said mangrove protection should be encouraged at all times, noting that mangrove is the first line of defence in the waterways.
He further maintained that some of the current pollutions in the communities are due to disrespect to elders and traditional belief.
Another discussant, Dr. Steve Worlu also from the University of Port Harcourt said the idea for the roundtable is for both geographical and economic reasons. He said the idea is justify as the environment drives the economy.
He described the Onne free zone as a policy against the local people since they did not have the economic policy.
Dr. Worlu further described the environmental zones as equivalent to what is obtainable in Holand and other parts of the world, even if these areas were neglected by both the state and federal government.
Participants at the occasion equally suggested many ways on how their communities will be protected as communiqué was presented after the meeting.
Some of items in the communiqué is to appoint community people to watch over their Creeks, River and land, others are to integrate and interface with LGA chairmen, Ministry of Environment on ways of protecting their environment. The establishment of costal watch are also among ideas suggested for the establishment of an environmental protection zone in Andoni, Khana, Gokana and Ogu/Bolo. ###
Pius Dukor
