Environmental rights activists in the
Niger Delta
claiming that some of the
unwholesome activities of transnational oil and gas
corporations have adversely affected the region's mangrove
areas.
Tony Ita Etim of Journalists for Niger Delta,
JODEL
“Mangroves are important forested wetlands and most
countries have now banned the conversion of mangroves for
aquaculture
If deforestation of mangroves
continues, it can lead to severe losses of biodiversity and
livelihoods, in addition to salt intrusion in coastal areas
and siltation of coral reefs, ports and shipping lanes.
Mangroves are salt-tolerant evergreen forests found
along coastlines, lagoons, rivers or deltas in 124 tropical
and subtropical countries and areas, protecting coastal
areas against erosion, cyclones and wind.
Mangroves
are important ecosystems providing wood, food, fodder,
medicine and honey. They are also habitats for many animals
like crocodiles and snakes, tigers, deer, otters, dolphins
and birds.
clipped from: www.scoop.co.nz