Rights of Nature Movement in Nigeria: A Case Study

Transcript:Rights of Nature Movement in Nigeria: A Case Study:
Rights of Nature Movement in Nigeria: A Case Study of River Ethiope Delta State Nigeria- The Journey so far. By Irikefe V. Dafe, Africa Lead, Earth Law Center Founder, River Ethiope Trust Foundation/Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers Member, UN Harmony with Nature Programme Being a paper Presented to University of Cape Town Audience During GARN Africa Hub’s In- Person Meeting 2023. Rights of Nature Movement in Nigeria: A Case Study of River Ethiope Delta State Nigeria- The Journey so far. I. Introduction Earth Law Center USA recently partnered with the River Ethiope Trust Foundation (“RETFON”) to secure rights recognition for the River Ethiope in Nigeria, to assist with RETFON’s current efforts and to work towards establishing the River as a legal entity possessing rights. As a result, the River would have a broad suite of recognized legal rights that would set it on a path to permanent restoration. It would also have standing to utilize the court system as a plaintiff in search of injunctive relief or damages, as necessary.[1] The River Ethiope would be the first waterway in Africa to possess legal rights. II. The River Ethiope The River Ethiope is located in the Delta State of Nigeria (“DSN”). The DSN is a geographic component of the South-South geo-political zone, and yields oil and agriculture. The River runs from the Umuaja community in the Ukwuani Local Government Area (“LGA”) and meets the sea at the Sapele LGA. The River flows for approximately 70km through five LGAs: Ukwuani, Ethiope East, Okpe , Sapele and Warri South. These LGAs combine for an estimated population of 1.7 million people as of 2013.[2] River is a place of worship for adherents to the traditional Olokun and Igbe religions. It famously originates at the base of a giant cottonwood tree.[3] The area surrounding the source is a specific concern; human visitation over time has destroyed precious root systems that filter groundwater and prevent erosion. A concentration of vehicular traffic creates high levels of airborne pollutants as well. In the now familiar environmental irony human interest and appreciation endangers the object(s) humanity seeks to see and appreciate. Nigeria is the third most biologically diverse country in Africa with regards to flora and fauna, a ranking that is currently endangered due to largely unregulated deforestation, farming, spreading urban communities and industrialization.[4] Rights of Nature Movement in Nigeria: A Case Study of River Ethiope Delta State