Rivers’ Ring Road project undermines environmental sustainability, says impact assessment group – EnviroNews Nigeria
Rivers’ Ring Road project undermines environmental sustainability ... EnviroNews Nigeria
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The Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN) Raises Concerns Over Ring Road Project
The Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN) has expressed its concerns regarding the proposed 50.15Km dual carriage Ring Road project by the Rivers State Governor. The association believes that this project will have a negative impact on environmental sustainability.
President of AEIAN Raises Concerns
Prof Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, President of the association, expressed her concerns during a media briefing on Friday, July 21, 2023. She stated that the Ring Road project, which aims to span six Local Government Areas with six flyovers and one river crossing bridge within 36 months, will result in the loss of biodiversity and erosion of socio-cultural heritage within Rivers State communities.
According to Vincent-Akpu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has described this project as the largest single project to be undertaken by any state in Nigeria. She acknowledged that while the project may have positive impacts on the socio-economic life and natural habitat, it is important to consider the potential adverse effects on the environment.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Vincent-Akpu emphasized that the Ring Road project could potentially undermine several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to community, land resettlement, biodiversity, indigenous people and cultural heritage. She highlighted that the project’s impact on these SDGs should not be overlooked, even if there are concerns about the project’s cost and location.
Threats to Biodiversity
The professor also highlighted the significant threat that human activities pose to biodiversity. She explained that land use change and overexploitation are the main direct threats to biodiversity, followed by climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the impact of any project or development on the economy, humans, and the environment to ensure sustainability.
The Importance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Vincent-Akpu stressed the importance of conducting comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for major projects that may have adverse effects on the environment and communities. She cited the example of the Bayelsa Airport construction, which resulted in the loss of unique biodiversity. The EIA process enables informed decision-making, identifies impacts, assesses positive and negative impacts, and develops an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the project’s construction.
AEIAN has been advocating for the implementation of EIA for major projects since 2010. According to the EIA Act Cap E12, LFN 2004, EIA is mandatory for all major public and private projects in Nigeria and should be carried out by professionals.
AEIAN’s Position on the Ring Road Project
The association has outlined its position on the Ring Road project as follows:
- EIA should have been conducted before finalizing the project’s details.
- Project implementation could be delayed to allow for adequate assessment and studies.
- The project should consider the integration of study outcomes, taking into account biodiversity, indigenous people, cultural heritage, livelihoods, and communities.
Vincent-Akpu also suggested that although the project is not funded by the World Bank, referring to the Environmental and Social Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) could provide guidance on managing the project’s impacts in a more sustainable manner.
Conclusion
The concerns raised by AEIAN regarding the Ring Road project highlight the importance of considering environmental sustainability and the SDGs in major development projects. Conducting comprehensive EIAs and integrating their findings into project planning can help ensure that projects are carried out in a sustainable manner, preserving biodiversity and protecting the well-being of communities.
Related
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 11.2: Number of deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents per 100,000 population.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production (including a national adaptation plan, nationally determined contribution, national communication, biennial update report or other).
- Indicator for SDG 15.5: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons. | Number of deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents per 100,000 population. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production (including a national adaptation plan, nationally determined contribution, national communication, biennial update report or other). |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type. |
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Source: environewsnigeria.com
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