By Stephen Adeleye.
A non-governmental organization, EcoImpact Alliance Initiative, has emphasized the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern approaches to protect wetlands, as it commemorated World Wetlands Day 2026 in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The event, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the critical role of wetlands in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and livelihoods.
The Lead Expert, Mr. Owoleke Stephen Oluwafemi, from Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, delivered a keynote speech, highlighting Nigeria’s rich wetland ecosystems, including the Niger Delta, Africa’s largest wetland system.
Oluwafemi emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge in conservation, citing indigenous practices such as fishing calendars and sacred river protection.
“This theme highlights the cultural wisdom that sustained wetlands before modern conservation.
“Nigeria has 11 Ramsar Sites, covering 1.07 million hectares, including the Niger Delta, Africa’s largest wetland.
“These ecosystems support millions, providing fishing, farming, grazing, and cultural practices. The Hadejia-Nguru wetlands alone supported 1.5 million people,” he stated.
The Lead Expert urged stakeholders to commit to protecting wetlands, documenting traditional knowledge, empowering communities, and engaging youth and schools in conservation efforts.
The Founder of EcoImpact Alliance Initiative, Mr Ipinyomi Tafa, stressed the organization’s commitment to driving awareness, education, and practical action on climate change.
He emphasized the need for governments, stakeholders, and citizens to work together to protect wetlands, highlighting their vital role in climate resilience, food security, and biodiversity.
Environmental Consultant, Mr Salami Onaopemipo, echoed the importance of synergizing traditional and modern approaches, stating, “How you treat the environment is how the environment treats you back.”
He urged the government to commit to wetland preservation and environmental protection.
The Project Lead, Mr Joel Gideon Temitope, highlighted EcoImpact Alliance’s innovative efforts to promote conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, calling on governments to strengthen legal enforcement against encroachment and incorporate wetland conservation into national and local land-use planning.
The event aimed to raise awareness and mobilize action to protect wetlands, crucial for human well-being and biodiversity.
Stakeholders at the event praised the initiative and encouraged the EcoImpact Alliance Initiative to continue their efforts, while also urging them to increase publicity and coverage to raise awareness about wetlands among the general public.
The World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year.
