Akwa Ibom State has urged stakeholders in the water sector to adopt effective management plans to ensure sustainability of glacier systems.
Speaking at a one -day seminar to commemorate the 2025 Water Day celebration in Uyo, the stste capital at the weekend, with the theme: “Glacier preservation,” the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubuo Ubuo, noted that glacier preservation is the most critical in humanity’s most urgent challenges, considering it as the guardian of the planet’s history .
Eduo said preservation of the glacier in practical terms, means the reduction in vehicular traffic, tree planting, use of eco- friendly products reduction in the use of pesticides, and avoidance of burning bushes among others .
“Considering that this world is a global village, what goes around comes around. Let all hands be on deck to preserve our glaciers for the sustainability of the ecosystem.
“I therefore, call on all stakeholders in water resources planning, exploration and management as well as wetland, and coastal managers to pull the needed synergy, and adopt integrated water resources management approach that will ensure preservation and sustainability of glaciers systems,” he said.
Read also: Delta approves adjustments, redesign of Warri flyover contract
Presenting a paper at the workshop, a professor of agric economics at the University of Uyo, Gabriel Umoh, said the melting glacier affects ocean currents, causing the sea level to rise and sometimes lead to flooding in coastal communities in Akwa Ibom state .
Prof. Umoh defined glacier as the accumulation of snow and ice that rollover the land, adding that glacier exists all over the world except in Australia.
“Studies have shown that 43,110 residents of Akwa Ibom State are affected by flood. They have been displaced but still live in their communities. Therefore, adaptation to glacier becomes a source of concern to experts,” the don said.
He therefore, recommended some actions plans to government and other authorities to preserve glaciers, in an attempt to check climate change caused by lack of preservation of glacier.
“This should include reduction in carbon emissions through authorized framework, tree planting, awareness campaign by educating the people and support to government policies and regulations,” he added.
