Ecosystem Environmental Assessment

Multinationals’ impact on Nigerian environment cannot be overemphasized. Their roles on the environment are significant and have continued to be a topical issue in Nigerian Newspapers, magazine and even in other media. The region where oil is being explored in Nigeria especially places like Ogoni, Niger Delta, Ijaw, etc have been completely devastated by decades of reckless oil exploration or ecological warfare by these oil-producing companies and other multinationals. An ecological war is highly lethal, the moves so as it is unconventional. It is homicidal in effect. Human life, flora, fauna, the air, fall at its fact, and finally, the land itself dies.

In Hungerstrike Newspaer (199), it was stated therefore, ‘the environmental impact assessment concluded that, although some section of the reports. Overall, the environmental statements fell well short of what would be required in any developed country. The impact that oil production in Nigeria has had, problems identified include flooding and coastal erosion, sedimentation and siltation, degradation and depletion of water and coastal resources, land degradation, oil pollution, health problems and low agricultural production, as well as social problems, lack of continue participation’.

In most of the oil-producing communities, people spoke about the adverse effects that oil exploration and production has had on their livelihood. These among others include the following:

1. Loss of land and resources to communities and families
2. Difficult or no access to food and basic goods
3. Scarcity places an especially heavy burden on women
4. Prostitution, rape and fatherless children continue to increase in these communities

(Excerpts from an interview with Annie Brisibe, September 9, 1999)

The Niger Delta in Nigeria has been the attention of environmentalists, human right activists and fair trade advocates around the world. The activities of large oil companies have raised many concerns and criticisms. Oil, which could potentially have allowed Nigeria to be one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, has instead led it to become one of the poorest, corruption and mismanagement lending hands. Continue Reading

New Delhi: Rekha Mehra, renowned Kathak dancer & President of Urvashi Dance Music Arts & Cultural Society organized a dance ballet “DHANI CHUNARIA” on WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY at Triveni Auditorium. Her efforts were to create awareness about the looming reality of global warming which is no more a distant reality but a scary truth staring at us in all its bleakness.

Mr.Vijay Goel, General Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party was the chief guest. The event was graced by presence of Reena Ray, Secretary of Tourism and Culture and Shekhar Vaishnavi from Sahitya Kala Parishad as Guest of Honor. The dance ballet choreographed by Rekha Mehra and Raghuvendra started with Shiv Tandav and celebrated nature in its different form thus giving the message that one should respect nature as its essential to live peacefully.

A rare combination of artistic beauty and creativity, Rekha Mehra combines personal charm and grace with technical brilliance. Her creativity and innovation have inspired her to produce some of the finest ballet and solo performances that have been contemporary in nature. Her performance “Dhani Chunariya” shows her concern on growing pollution. She aims to create awareness among the masses about the immediate need to save Mother Earth from the impending disaster.

The time is clicking away like a bomb and each moment and effort, however, is significant. The Society aims to plant 5 lakh trees in one year to bring much needed greenery to our surrounding’s as planting trees protects the environment and helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations. The Society also plans to set up old age homes throughout the country. We are having very little time to reverse the damage done and need to join hands and cooperate on an international level to tackle this global problem. If we succeed in reversing this trend and slow it down, it would be the most precious gift that we can give to the future generations. Continue Reading