Perceptions of Mangrove Ecosystem Services and Conservation Priorities by Decision-Makers and Key Stakeholders in Nigeria

Perceptions of Mangrove Ecosystem Services and Conservation Priorities by Decision-Makers and Key Stakeholders in Nigeria

Mangroves are coastal wetland forests that provide a range of ecosystem services, such as coastal protection, carbon sequestration, habitat provision, and livelihood support. Nigeria has the largest mangrove area in Africa, covering about 10,000 km2, mostly in the Niger Delta region. However, these mangroves are under threat from various human activities, such as deforestation, oil pollution, urbanization, and invasive species. Therefore, there is a need to understand the perceptions and preferences of decision-makers and key stakeholders regarding the values and management of mangrove ecosystem services in Nigeria.

This blog post summarizes the main findings of a recent study by Oluwafemi et al. (2021), who conducted a survey of 120 respondents from different sectors and levels of governance involved in mangrove conservation in Nigeria. The study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and valuation of mangrove ecosystem services, as well as the conservation priorities and challenges faced by the respondents.

Awareness and Knowledge of Mangrove Ecosystem Services

The study found that most respondents (93%) were aware of the existence of mangroves in Nigeria, and 83% had visited mangrove areas at least once. However, only 57% had received formal education or training on mangroves, and 41% had participated in mangrove-related projects or programs. The respondents showed a high level of knowledge about the ecological functions of mangroves, such as coastal protection (97%), climate regulation (95%), and habitat provision (94%). However, they showed a lower level of knowledge about the socio-economic benefits of mangroves, such as food security (77%), income generation (76%), and cultural values (69%).

Valuation of Mangrove Ecosystem Services

The study asked the respondents to rank the importance of 12 mangrove ecosystem services on a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important). The results showed that the respondents valued all the ecosystem services highly, with an average score of 4.5. The most important ecosystem services were coastal protection (4.8), climate regulation (4.8), and habitat provision (4.7). The least important ecosystem services were recreation (4.2), education (4.2), and cultural values (4.3).

The study also asked the respondents to indicate their willingness to pay (WTP) for the conservation of mangrove ecosystem services in Nigeria. The results showed that 87% of the respondents were willing to pay an average amount of 10,500 Nigerian Naira (about 26 US dollars) per year for mangrove conservation. The main reasons for WTP were environmental protection (48%), social responsibility (24%), and personal benefit (15%). The main barriers to WTP were lack of trust in the management institutions (38%), lack of funds (28%), and lack of awareness (17%).

Conservation Priorities and Challenges

The study asked the respondents to rank the importance of 10 conservation actions for mangrove management in Nigeria on a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important). The results showed that the respondents prioritized all the conservation actions highly, with an average score of 4.6. The most important conservation actions were enforcement of laws and regulations (4.8), restoration of degraded areas (4.8), and community participation and empowerment (4.7). The least important conservation actions were research and monitoring (4.3), education and awareness (4.4), and alternative livelihoods (4.5).

The study also asked the respondents to identify the main challenges or constraints for mangrove conservation in Nigeria. The results showed that the respondents faced multiple challenges, such as lack of funding (79%), lack of political will (77%), lack of coordination among stakeholders (75%), lack of technical capacity (74%), and lack of public awareness (72%).

Implications and Recommendations

The study concluded that decision-makers and key stakeholders in Nigeria have a high level of awareness and knowledge about the ecological functions of mangroves, but a lower level of awareness and knowledge about their socio-economic benefits. The study also concluded that decision-makers and key stakeholders value mangrove ecosystem services highly and are willing to pay for their conservation, but face several challenges in implementing effective management actions.

Based on these findings, the study recommended some policy implications and suggestions for improving mangrove conservation in Nigeria, such as:

– Enhancing education and awareness programs on the socio-economic benefits of mangroves for different target groups, such as local communities, policy-makers, media, and civil society.
– Strengthening the legal framework and institutional arrangements for mangrove governance, such as clarifying roles and responsibilities, enforcing compliance, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
– Mobilizing financial resources and technical support for mangrove conservation, such as creating incentives, diversifying funding sources, and building capacity.
– Implementing participatory and adaptive management approaches for mangrove conservation, such as involving local communities, incorporating local knowledge, and monitoring and evaluating outcomes.

References

Oluwafemi, A., Ojei, J., Oyebamiji, A., & Oyedokun, B. (2021). Perceptions of mangrove ecosystem services and conservation priorities by decision-makers and key stakeholders in Nigeria. Ocean & Coastal Management, 207, 105605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105605

Niger Delta mangroves – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_Delta_mangroves

Mangrove Rehabilitation in Nigeria | UNREDD Programme. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.un-redd.org/stories-of-change/mangrove-rehabilitation-nigeria

Onwuteaka, J., & Nwankwoala, H. (2018). The Values of Mangrove Ecosystem Services in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 44(1), 1–10.