By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal Abbas has reiterated Government commitment to improvement in environmental sustainability interventions and initiatives.
He said that on Monday at the contract signing ceremony for the engagement of consultancy services for the development of 20 strategic catchment management plans for the ACReSAL project.
He said the Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) is a vital component of the ACReSAL project, aimed at ensuring sustainable management and utilization of our water resources.
“As we all know, catchments are vital ecosystems that support livelihoods, provide high-quality water, and sustain biodiversity. However, they face numerous challenges, including soil erosion, poor waste management, and climate change. The SCMP is designed to address these issues through efficient, effective, and sustainable management practices.
“Integrated Catchment Management Plan provides a long-term strategy for sustainable development and utilization of water and related resources. It ensures that land, water, and related resources are developed and managed in a coordinated manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
“The purpose of this CMP is to provide a number of agreed investments in infrastructure and other interventions and actions meant to help resolve conflict, conserve and protect the catchment and its natural resources, and ensure equitable access to and use of water resource.
“By implementing the SCMP, the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Water Resources, will not only ensure sustainable agro-climatic and land management but also improve the living standards of communities in northern Nigeria. This catchment plan will help reduce poverty, promote sustainable agriculture, protect the environment. supporting livelihoods for generations to come.
