UNESCO urges Collective action on Lake Chad

Tue, Feb 27, 2018 | By publisher


Environment

GETACHEW Engida, UNESCO deputy director-general, praised Nigeria’s effort in hosting the conference which he noted was coming at a critical time when Lake Chad is dwindling owing to the pangs of climate change, population growth and instability. Besides, he said the fragile ecosystems   including the floodplains, the forests and the river banks have been impacted, disrupting the entire ecosystem of the basin – flora, fauna and human.

“In consequence, we are also facing a humanitarian and security issue, which reaches deep into the communities that are dependent on this ecosystem. Between 80-90% of the population depends on agriculture, fisheries and livestock for their livelihoods,” Engida.

He disclosed that nearly seven million people in the area are facing food insecurity even as livelihoods are threatened by insecurity and the scourge of extremist groups reigning terror among the populations.

“We need to act now to break the cycle of ecological disaster, livelihood disruption, and political upheaval which leads to more ecological disaster”, he warned and urged a collective action to overcome these challenges to achieve long-term peace and prosperity in the region.

– Feb.  27, 2018 @ 16:45 GMT |

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