THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LAW AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES TOWARDS PROTECTING UPPER NIGER LAKE WETLANDS IN WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: The study analyzed the effectiveness of the law and environmental policy framework in West Africa for the protection of wetlands, specifically Upper Niger Lake Wetlands in West Africa. Countries in West Africa, like most developing countries, face the challenge of developing and implementing programs for sustainable management and protection of these wetlands.

Statement of the Problem: While most West Africa countries adopted environmental policies providing guidelines on the management and land use of wetlands, Upper Niger Lake wetland in West Africa is still subject to unsustainable land use by property developers and industries. The study employed correlational desk study research to evaluate the effectiveness of the environmental policy in relation to the Upper Niger Lake wetland Ecosystem.

Methodology: Both primary and secondary methods were used to assess the problem. Journals from Jstor, Google Scholar and UN agencies Development Partners’ reports, were reviewed.

Result: The study revealed that despite West African countries such as Mali, Niger and Nigeria having environmental policies providing a framework for the conservation of wetlands, the policies are not effective in addressing some major yet specific challenges of wetlands in those countries, specifically the Upper Niger Lake wetland. This is because of some of the policy recommendations are vague and there is an ineffective framework for enforcement of the policy.

Recommendation: There is need for policy changes to the environmental policies to protect wetlands adequately and effectively in West Africa, specifically Upper Niger Lake wetlands.

Keywords- Wetlands, National policies, Management, conservation and Adaptation, Climate Change, West Africa, Upper Niger Lake