Environmental Degradation in the Ikorodu Sub-Urban Lagos - Lagoon Coastal Environment, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction:Human activities exert great pressures on the environment which in turn cause environmental stresses of various intensities depending on the factors involved and the sensitivity of the receiving environment.Objective:This study examines the effects of anthropogenic activities along the sub-urban lagoon fragile coastal ecosystem using DPSIR framework.Results:The results show that the study area has undergone a tremendous change between 1964 and 2015 with the built up area increasing to about 1,080 ha (17.87%) in 2015 from 224 ha (1.32%) in 1964 at an average growth rate of 16.78ha per annum. The nature of the degradation includes an increasing fragility of the ecosystem through the emergence and expansion of wetlands, flooding and erosion as well as a reduction in the benefits from the ecosystem services. Population growth, between 2006 and 2015 for Ikorodu LGA, estimated at 8.84% per annum serves as the most important driving force in reducing the quality of the environment. This is in addition to Pressures emanating from anthropogenic activities. The state of the environment shows continuous resource exploitation (fishing and sand mining) with the impacts of the pressures coming from water pollution, bank erosion, biodiversity loss and flooding. Although there has been a strong policy formulation response from the government, weak implementation is a major challenge.Recommendation:The study recommends public awareness campaigns and the implementation of existing policies to ensure a sustainable sub-urban lagoon coastal environment..

A Google Earth Engine Application to Retrieve Long-Term Surface Temperature for Small Lakes. Case: San Pedro Lagoons, Chile

“…The significance of selecting these specific lagoons (San Pedro Lagoons, see Section 2) stems from their geographic location. Because they are urban lagoons, they are particularly susceptible to environmental degradation [32,33].…”

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“…It is bounded in the east and west by Epe and Kosofe Local Government Areas respectively, in the south by the Lagos lagoon, and towards the north by Ogun State. Ikorudu is part of the natural wetland ecosystem valued for its contribution to ecological balance and biodiversity in Lagos state, 23 but which has lately come under ecological pressures from sand mining, road contruction and fishing activities 24,25 as well as existing markets for trade in wild meat. 1,15 The study area Ikorodu was stratified following political administrative units into 16 urban areas, out of which three areas based on geographical distribution, were chosen for the study.…”

Floral composition and diversity of the lagos coastal environment, South‐Western, Nigeria

“…In terms of development, the area encompasses both characteristics of the urban and rural world. As urbanisation expands in the area in the last two decades, the green environment is being replaced by brown environment, placing pressures on the coastal environment (Odunuga et al, 2018).…”

“…This figure, however, is expected to increase drastically owing to growth, migration, and preference for the coastal environment. Thus, implying that 3.5 billion people presently rely on the coastal ecosystem, its habitat, and resources (Odunuga et al, 2018). For instance, intact coastal vegetation buffers shores and retains sediments from the effects of erosive processes, such as tides, waves, and storms (Costanza et al, 1997; Dugan et al, 2011).…”

“…The Nigerian region is characterised by large expanse coastal zones with diverse species diversity. A previous demographic study estimated about 25% of the total population of Nigerians occupies the coastal zones (Odunuga et al, 2018), and the continuous increase would directly impact the biodiversity resources (Nigeria Biodiversity and Tropical Forestry Assessment, 2008). Nigeria has a coastline stretch of about 860 km and consists of barrier islands, sandy beaches, lagoons, estuaries, mud beaches, and creeks of the Niger Delta (Amosu et al, 2012).…”