Uncovering the hidden values of wetlands to local communities

The values of wetlands are generally classified into use values and non-use values. The use values are straightforward andmeasurable values but the non-use values are not so. Hence they are most often neglected and not incorporated in wetlands assessment and conversion to other uses by policy makers. Although the wetlands under review are obviously being used for farming and fishing, we attempted establishing from the local users if they have other forms of values for them. We therefore interviewed four hundred and ninety four (494) wetlands users in seventeen riparian local communities in Lokoja, Nigeria. The result of our findings shows that apart from the direct use of the wetlands, other form of uses, the non-use values exists. Bequest value was however dominant among the identified non-use values. Unfortunately this type of value is not usually considered in decision making patterning to wetlands in local communities. We recommend valuation of both the use and non-use values of wetlands in local communities that are being considered for conversion to other uses. This is suggested because the unseen hidden values of wetlands can be uncovered only in a study of this nature

Estimating the values of wetlands in riparian communities: a tool for decision-making in planning

In spite of the importance of wetlands to the environment and most especially to the host communities, wetlands are constantly under pressure for conversion to other forms of use by policy makers. The reason for undervaluing the significance of wetlands is possibly due to lack of data on its values for it is not easily measured like other environmental goods. This study therefore adopted the use of Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to measure the direct use values and non-use values of riparian wetlands to the communities in Lokoja, Nigeria. Four hundred and ninety four (494) households were surveyed in seventeen (17) riparian communities involving a series of focus group discussions and questionnaire administration. Our findings show that both direct use values and non-use values of the wetlands exist and majority of the people were willing to pay for these values. Most of them were also against conversion of the wetlands to other forms of use. The mean estimate of non-use values was however more than that of direct use values. Unfortunately, non-use values are not usually considered in decision making concerning wetlands conversion to other forms of use. The estimates of the values of the wetlands to the local communities as found can be used as a basis for argument by planners for its conservation and not conversion

The role of wetlands in mitigating the effect of climate change in Nigeria

This chapter reviews the place of wetlands in climate change within the overall frame of environmental resource planning. This is against the background of the importance of wetlands as environmental resources which have been described as the kidneys of the landscape as a result of its hydrological and chemical functions and as atmospheric carbon sinks which stabilize the climate. The study reviewed mitigating and adapting measures in literatures that may be adopted in Nigeria in order to enhance the potentials of wetland resources in the country. The chapter asserts that the declining environmental resource base of the country is mainly due to anthropogenic influences because wetlands in Nigeria are largely exploited for economic gains and are basically used for subsistence living or for physical development. Statistical data from the government shows that 60 % of Nigerian population depend solely on the natural resource base and are engaged in farming, cattle rearing, and fishing. This chapter provides measures which include restoration programs, reduction of further disturbance on wetlands, and legislative and policy formulations for protecting wetlands which are considered appropriate and can contribute greatly in mitigating climate change when properly harnessed as a way forward toward climate change mitigation and adaptation