Negative impacts of oil exploration on biodiversity management in the Niger De area of Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution arising from oil prospecting and exploration in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has impacted negatively on the biodiversity of the affected areas. The main stresses arise from leakages of crude oil, gas flaring and the escape of other chemicals used in production processes. Effects on the flora and fauna of freshwater ecosystems in this part of Nigeria have been noticed. The government has established laws for protection of the environment from oil exploration, but these must be made effective in terms of implementation, enforcement and monitoring by responsible agencies. The oil companies operating in this region have also contributed to reducing the impacts of their activities on the host environment. This paper discusses the various impacts that oil production has had so far on the biodiversity of this unique part of Nigeria, and reports on efforts made by the government, oil companies and non-governmental organizations to remedy the situation.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• Niger Delta
• impacts
• resource management
• oil exploration
• environmental degradation
• oil spill
• Department of Petroleum Resources
• oil companies
• NGO, environmental laws