Urban development in the third world and threat to wetlands: The case study of Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Wetlands constitute only two percent of the world's land mass. Yet, a total of 10% of the world population live in wetlands. Also, about 13% of global urban settlements are found in wetlands. Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive in the world and are among the most threatened. A significant global response to this threat was the 1971 Convention held in Ramsar, Iran, to save the world's wetlands. Unfortunately, most developing countries are not signatories to the convention, and those that are have paid passive attention to its articles; leading to massive loss of wetlands in these countries. Cities along water ways and basins (such as Calabar) are known for their rapid growth. Calabar has witnessed a rapid urban growth of recent. This growth has led to severe encroachment into the city's wetlands formed by the Great Kwa and Calabar Rivers with the attendant degradation of the ecosystems. This paper examines the danger posed by the spread of the city to these wetlands and proffers solutions that would check the incursion into these pristine natural habitats. The paper also recommends the development of eco-tourism resort as part of the larger Calabar urban landscape architecture. This will add to the tourism potentials of the city as envisaged by Cross River State.

Evaluating flood adaptation governance in the city of Calabar, Nigeria

“…Calabar's vulnerability to flooding can be linked to its location within a tropical rainforest, close to the coastline, and to the socio-economic and demographic nature of the city. Massive ecosystem degradation in the area (Obia et al, 2015) has led to the loss of natural protection provided by mangrove ecosystems (van Maanen et al). Furthermore, haphazard urban development, such as the use of floodplains for development, poor solid waste management leading to blocked drainage, or the total absence of drainage in some locations, have contributed to flooding in the city (Animashaun, 2010, Antigha et al, 2014.…”

Prevalence of symptomatic significant bacteriuria and associated risk factors among patients attending major hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria

“…The city has a total land area of 406 square kilometers (11). According to the 2006 Nigeria Census Report, Calabar Metropolis had a total population of 375,196 (12).…”

Prevalence of Symptomatic Bacteriuria and Associated Risk Factors among Patients Attending Major Hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria

“…Calabar metropolis has two major rivers: The Great Kwa River and Calabar River. The city has a total land area of four hundred and six (406) square kilometers [11] .…”

“…According to 2006 Census Report, Calabar Metropolis had a total population of 375,196 [12] . However, the rate of urbanization has greatly impacted on the population of the city [11] . This population is primarily served by three hospitals: The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Nigeria Naval Reference Hospital (NNRH) and General Hospital Calabar (GHC).…”