By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom government has called 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 (IWRM) approach that would ensure preservation and sustainability of glaciers systems
It has also restated it’s commitment to the sustainability of the gains and improvements already made in the Water, Sanitation and Health sector of the state.
State commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation Dr Ubuo Ubuo who made the call at this year’s World Water Day celebration in Uyo weekend said this would also be in alignment with the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno with focus on the provision of water infrastructures for the citizens of the State
According to Ubuo, 2026 has been declared as the international year of Glacier preservation (NGP) by the UN which underscores the need for water preservation as the king of all earth’s resources essential for environmental sustainability, economic stability, a balanced ecosystem and increased life expectancy.
“The declaration calls for Increased global awareness about the essential role of glacier (water) in the dimate systern and the hydrological cycle.” The commissioner said.
Ubuo who stressed on safe, sustainable practices to safeguard the environment added that climate change is the main driver for glacier declination which is the consequence of global warming.
“The retreat and disappearance of glacier portends a degradation of the ecosystem which impacts negatively on human lives and sustainability.Man’s actions contribute to the depletion of the natural ozone layer (divine insulator) which leads to release of greenhouse gases which attack this insulator.
Glacier preservation the commissioner said remained the most critical and humanity’s most urgent challenges considering that glacier is the guardian of our planet’s dimate history, the source of life for humanity amongst other benefits.
“It’s preservation in simple and practical terms means reduuction in vehicular traffic, planting of trees, use of eco-friendly products, reduction in the use of pesticides, avoiding burning of bushes, adoping safe agricultural practices, use of climate resilient infrastructure and proper treatment and disposal of faecal sludge etc.
“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 sustaintsibility of the ecosystem.” Ubou stated.
The theme for the deliberation was “Glacier Preservation” and seeks to address the role of glacier and their rapid decline due to climate change caused by anthropogenic threats with its consequent social and economic setbacks.In a keynote speech, a University Don and WASH expert, Prof Gabriel Umoh said that despite being in the tropics, Akwa Ibom remained vulnerable to glacial melt adding that d
ocuments obtained from the State Emergency Management Agency showed that 114,948 individuals in 18,757 households were affecteddue to the flooding in.12 local Councils.in 2024.
Umoh called on the state government and stakeholders to increase advocacy for the sustenance of global best practices and traditional methods to preserve the environment and mitigate the effect of glacial melt in the state.
Goodwill messages were presented by collaborating ministries including that of Agriculture, Environment, Works and the State WASH Media Committee chairman Mrs Imaobong Dem
