27

Environmental Impact
Assessment On Nigerian
Tourism Industry
Smart N. Uchegbu

Abstract

In Nigeria, until 1992 when the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decree made it
mandatory for EIAs to be conducted before any development activity (except exempted
pursuant to the decree) can be carried out, development has been going on without
consideration of the Impact of such activities on the environment. As a result, 'nature' has
been destroyed and our fragile ecology has stood in jeopardy of losing its biodiversity
through extinction. Despite' the fact that EIA for Tourism Development among others has
been made mandatory by the decree, many Nigerians conduct EIAs as a compulsion since
they do not understand the need for EIAs and this has not given us our desired goals for the
conduct of EIAs. Against this background, this study highlights the essence of EIAs and
their roles for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Nigeria.

Introduction

Long before now. hardly has any impact of our proposed projects (among which is the
development of tourism) been considered. The consequences of such negligence in
developing tourism are obvious. Among these are the following:

(i) the destruction of 'nature' in the process of development

(ii) the eroding of man's food and economic base
(iii) the disruption of ecological balance and hence, threat to man's health and other life
forms;
(iv) landscape degradation;
(v) loss of homeland; and
(vi) pollution from effluent and other-discharges into man's biogeophysical

The most frequent error in developing tourism is the failure to recognise that protection of
the quality of the environment should be considered as primary. If this is destroyed or
replaced by an alien substitute, then tourism development, no matter how successful becomes
mere exploitation (Okereke, 1995).
It has, therefore, been important to incorporate environmental considerations into tourism
development in Nigeria through conscious planning and conscientious utilization of natural
resources, to prevent irreparable and irreversible damage of the ecosystem. In fact, the
development of our tourist centres (most primarily considered under 'Resort and
Recreational Development) has been made mandatory by El A decree No. 86 of 1992.
More so, it has been included in the mandatory study list of the decree. If followed
conscientiously, more of our tourism potentials will be discovered, developed and
harnessed to provide the much needed foreign exchange earnings, employment, pleasure and
improved longevity (ibid).

Tourism In Nigeria
*

Irrespective of the fact that the activities of Portuguese explorers hi 1472 and the subsequent
visits by other Europeans demonstrated that the time was ripe for tourism development in
Nigeria, actual development of tourism, in Nigeria (especially the formal tourist facilities)
only began as a result of rapid in-flow of tourists after the attainment of independence in
1960 (Okereke, 1995). These tourists were really searching out for 'virgin', 'innocent'
and unpolluted environment as it is obvious that Natural Environment Breeds Tourism.
«

What has further helped issues in the field of tourism is the development of Ecotourism
which has led to the consideration of the welfare of the environment in tourism development,
especially in developed countries. To achieve this, there was the need to provide
environmental guidelines at which the first serious attempt was highlighted in "Ecological
Principles for Economic Development" first published in 1973 (ibid). This publication
followed series of conferences and meetings with the representatives of the World Bank,
UNESCO, FAO, UNDP and the International Biological Programme.

Definition And Types

Tourism was obtained from the word ‘Tour’. To tour means to make a journey in which
one or more places are visited, usually without retracing one’s step for specific
purposes. The tourist is the participant. The mode of travelling, motivation and
destination are the basic things one considers in tourism. The
300 Policy & Contending Issues In \igerian National Development Strategy

difference between tourism and excursions is that it involves returning the same day. The
basic things involved in a journey are:
(i) purpose of going
(ii) mode of travelling
(iii) the facilities involved
Various Types Of Tourism Have Been Identified Namely

(i) International
(ii) National, Local or Domestic
(iii) Mass Tourism
This is a group of organised people moving from one area to the other
internationally or locally. It is also called formal Tourism.
(iv) Social Tourism
This is handled by charity organisations, who make it possible for people who aren't
able to afford the tour fee.
(v) Sunlust
This entails an individual taking off to a destination where he/she is aware of the
facilities he/she needs to use which may be lacking at his/her origin, i.e., for
instance sporting facilities of athletes
(vi) Wonderlust
It involves the individual leaving his place of origin for a particular destination
where there are things one needs to see as things that are talked or discoursed about

At the national level, our celebrated tourist centres include Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary in
Edo State, Iladejia Nguru Wetlands Projects (Borno and Kano States); Yankari Game
Reserve, Bauchi, Gashaka Gumpti National Park, Cross River National Park and Stubb's
Creek Forest Reserve, Cross River State. Here in Enugu State, we are blessed with a variety
of cultural, historical and natural physical potentials much of which is yet to be
development. There is however, the existence of various tourist attractions like Okpara Coal
Mine, Udi Hills. Opi Hill, Aduachi Cave (Oji River), Silicon Sand Site (Nkpologwu), etc.
(Sekobe, 1996).

EIA For Sustainable Development Of Tourism In Nigeria

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Impact Assessment is simply the assessment of the impacts of proposed

projects on the environment. It is an environmental management tool used to determine the
impacts of a project on the environment (SPDC Environmental Newsletter, 1994). EIA is a
process or study in which the potential physical, biological, economic and social impacts of a
proposed development on the immediate and more distant environment are identified, analysed
and predicted (Canter, 1977; Odiette, 1993).
EIA involves reckoning of both the negative and the positive externalities, from the spatial,
inter-temporal as well as intergenerational perspectives. It is a key mechanism for translating
the principles of sustainable development into action. It is a decision making tool that puts
decision makers along the path of sustainable development (Odiette, 1993). EIA considers all
aspects of a project or operation from the planning stage through construction to
commissioning, hence, it involves the following activities:
- description of the project or operation;
- description of the environment, with special emphasis on its sensitivity
- prediction of the impacts of the project or operation on the environment, including
social effects on host communities;
- identification and adaptation of alternative options or techniques that will reduce the
impacts of the project or operation on the environment;
- monitoring the execution of the project or operation to ensure that the identified
controls are effective (SPDC Environmental Newsletter, 1994).

Advantages Of El As

Many benefits are derived from the use ofEIAs and these benefits include:

- minimisation of the environmental impacts of our activities;

- enhancement of the public image of developers through its encouragement public
participation;
- ensuring cordial relationships between developers/companies and their host
communities;
- prevention of litigation and future liabilities;
- helps to create an awareness of environmental protection in the public;
- ensures continuous improvement in our environmental performance;
- encourages compliance with regulatory requirements of FEPA and DPR
(Department of Petroleum Resources);
- enhances the compliance with the environmental management policies of companies
and developers.

Sustainable Development

Humans in a bid to survive have always been, and still continue to be in want of one thing
or the other. That is why he/she continues to struggle if peradventure he she might have a
better place in nature. In all these forms of human struggle, people pollute the environment.
What has worsened the pollution of our environment in recent times is the alarming rate
of population explosion.
On the other hand, the law of homeostasis and natural balance teaches us that the
environment has a level of:

(i) pollution which it can take care of naturally.

(ii) human and animal population it can support.

Regrettably, however, our development on landspace (physical development) has been

characterised by the destruction of our fragile ecology. Little wonder then that our attention
has been drawn most recently by a number of warnings from nature related to a number of
variables:

(i) depletion of the ozone layer

(ii) global warming
(iii) the melting of ice caps in the north and south poles
(iv) the reduction of arable land
(v) desertification, etc.
If we continue at the present late of degradation of the environment, we shall have
succeeded in destroying ourselves. That is why there's now the need for us to evolve
strategies in development that will be in conformity with the demands of the protection of
our fragile ecology. This issue concerns the way development (both physical and human) can
go on without or with minimum destruction of our flora and fauna. This is what the issue of
sustainable development is about. It has to do with development that takes cognisance of
environmental issues, i.e, that conforms with ecology. Our success in effecting this is all
involving i.e, involves both the private developers, corporate bodies and government
parastatals.
In a nutshell, sustainable development is the process by which the exploitation of natural
resources and the .present means of achieving development do not reduce or limit the
potentials for meeting the needs of future generations (Odiette, 1993).
Achieving sustainable development involves:
1. Judicious use of natural resources such that the carrying and productive capacity is
not over-exploited
2. A better understanding of the diversity of ecosystems and;
3. A monitoring of environmental impacts of development activities

From the foregoing, the role of EIA for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Nigeria can
now be appreciated. FEPA, the apex governmental environmental agency which was
established by decree No.58 of 1988 has been given the mandate and power by decree 86
of 1992 to enforce the provisions of EIA Decree for the assessment of the environmental
impacts of proposed projects. If they carry out their duties the way it ought, it means that
when a proposed tourist centre development project is approved for implementation after an
EIA process, it is because, there will be minimal adverse environmental impacts. Such
projects are sustainable. On the other hand, when a proposed development of tourist
facilities is not approved, it should be due to the fact that no appropriate mitigating
measures could be proffered for the identified adverse environmental impacts s"o that such a
project should be abandoned as it is considered non-sustainable.

EIA Procedure For Tourism Development In Nigeria

The procedure for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Tourism is the same for other
development projects, only that the environments to be impacted on and the intensities of
such impacts may vary between tourism development and other projects and, may vary also
from the development of one tourist facilities to the other, (Odiette, 1993) outlined EIA
process to include:

1. Screening
2. Preliminary assessment
3. Full EIA
(i) Scoping
(ii) EIA study
- Baseline studies
- Impact prediction
- Mitigation
4. EIA Review
5. Consultation and public participation
6. Synthesis and findings of consultation
7. Decision making
8. Implementation
9. Post Auditing

This involves the conduct of screening activity with the preparation of a screening report. This
has been provided for by section 19 of EIA Decree and is found necessary where the
Environmental Protection Agency is of the opinion that a project is not described in the
mandatory study list or any exclusion list. Here, the agency considers the screening report
and takes decision whether or not to exempt such project from a mandatory study.

2. Preliminary Assessment

In the words of Odiette (1993), this consists of (a) identification of the projects key impacts
on the local/immediate environment and (b) description and prediction of the likely extent
of these impacts, based on which consideration the project may undergo partial or full EIA.

3. Full EIA

This basically comprises scoping and EIA study. Scoping entails a consideration of the
principal environmental elements contained within the area likely to be affected by the
project. Major consideration here will include the impact of tourism development project
on
(i) existing vegetation and wildlife;
(ii) other natural physical environment viz, air, water and soil as well as principal
physical features like topography, geology, drainage, aquatic systems, and
hydrological regimes;
(iii) man-made physical environment, e.g. buildings and cultural facilities,
(iv) human health;
(v) existing and proposed landuse, landscape policy;
(vi) aesthetic value of the environment;
(vii) services provision;
(viii) social-economic environment surrounding such proposed tourist facility.
EIA study is further divided into three viz, Baseline studies, Impact prediction, and
Mitigation. Baseline studies are carried out in the area where proposed projects are
expected to be sited and is for the purpose of ascertaining the existing conditions of various
environments that are likely to be impacted upon by a proposed activity. Impact
prediction stage has to do with the identification, evaluation and quantification of impacts
which will give an idea of the magnitude and significance of*predicted impact.
The suggestion of measures available to mitigate identified environmental impacts is very
essential in that it determines whether such an action cat} be approved by FEPA or
abandoned. Section 4 (d) has provided that an assessment of the likely or potential
environmental impacts of the proposed activity and the alternatives, including the direct or
indirect, cumulative short-term and long-term effects be a part of the minimum content of an
EIA.
Once a project is described in the mandatory study list, or if after screening an EIA is made
mandatory for a project, the Agency shall refer such project to the Council for a referral to
mediation or a review panel (section 22(b) and 23(b), Decree No. 86. Such a mediation or
review panel is made up of representative of various interest groups. They carry out an
EIA different from the already carried out by the project proposer and each of the parties
submit an independent report on the EIA. This in essence is to ensure that public
participation is achieved in the conduct of the EIA since review ensures that the views of
various people (See 7, EIA Decree) are well considered before FEPA's decision can be given.
The Post-Auditing stage involves the monitoring of the parameter in the scope for a project
which has been executed or implemented. This is for the purpose of determining how close
the predicted impacts are to reality and the usefulness of the mitigating measures. It will
also help in case of any correction that needs to be applied at the operation stage of the
project.

Other Considerations For Sustainable Development

Apart from the consideration of EIA for sustainable development of tourism in Nigeria, other
major considerations will include:-

(i) Preservation Of Cultural Heritage

A greater part of tourism development in Nigeria reflects the taste and culture of our then-
European Colonial Lords. In some places, native dance groups now perform to
electronically amplified music on the patios of luxury hotels, giving tourists a misleading
impression of the beauty and purpose of ceremonies performed on special occasions in tribal
villages. This has adversely affected and erased the culture and heritage of the indigenes.
Particularly, it is of utmost importance to preserve our cultural tourist centres like the
Natural War Museum in Umuahia, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, the Museum in Umuahia,
the Museum of Traditional Modern Architecture (MOTMA) and the Jos Mascara among
others. This can be achieved through effective surveillance and aeaatering (Okereke,
1995).

(ii) Conservation Of Biodiversity

Biodiversity has been defined as the variety of life and its processes (Texas Environment
Magazine). It refers generally to different species of plants and animals found in natural
ecosystems and could be rare or abundant. Biodiversity includes all life forms, from one
called fungi, protozoa, and bacteria to complex organisms such as plants, insects, fishes, and
mammals and includes millions of processes, pathways and cycles that link living
organisms into population, ecosystem, and ultimately the entire biosphere that is the planet
earth (Ibid; Okereke, 1995).
Going by the submission of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), if the rate of
ecological destruction maintains its present rate, then 25% of the planet's species may face
extinction in the next 20 to 30 years, meaning that between 100 and 300 species may
become extinct each day. It must be noted that such losses are irreversible and therefore
frightful. This is why evaluation studies of the tourist site should be made by competent
specialist with ecological background before any attempt is made to site buildings, roads or
other forms of construction.

(iii) Conservation Of Natural Vegetation

For sustainable development of Tourism in Nigeria, Tourism Development planning must

go hand in hand with projects like the sitting of hotels, holiday camps, service roads,
swimming pools, etc. with a view to maximizing the potentials of the industry. Negative
approaches to tourism development which have often led to the draining of biologically
valuable swamp land, diversion of streams, levelling of irregular contours, replacement of
natural vegetation by more decorative importer's species have obvious consequences.
The logging and felling of trees to provide fuel for camp fire is already causing great concern
in Nigeria. Additionally, vehicle and pedestrian traffic cause obvious damage to
vegetation. Consequently, the natural environment that attracted tourists initially is
destroyed and this means ecological imbalance and loss of species.

(iv) Environmental Auditing

Environmental Auditing is required for the management of an environment like the tourist
centres and it seeks to analyse, predict and project adverse and beneficial effects of
tourism centre on the environment (Okereke, 1995). With its use, it is possible to identify
accurate and inaccurate predictions of environmental impacts that exists in the tourism
industry. It is therefore necessary for arrangements to be made for the provision of
guidelines for conducting environmental auditing prior to developing tourism centres.
Okereke (1995) suggested some of the well established tourism centres in Nigeria which need
environmental auditing. These include the famous Yankari Games Reserve, Ikogosi Warm
Spring and Rojenny Tourism village. -

(v) Provision of Safety Units

Safety facilities take care of emergencies such as fire incidents, waste, pollution and other
related hazards. The possibility for fire incidents, and service/sewage disposal problems
increases as the number of tourists increases. Adequate safety units should be provided at
holiday resorts like Nike and Oguta lakes, and Lekki, Badagry and the Bar-beaches. Again,
efficient and effective combating fire fighting equipment as well as contingency plans
should be put in place in such centres as the Yankari, Borgu, Balgore and Randam Game
Reserves. These units are needed in the event of accidental discharge of chemicals or
spillage and to combat fire hazards.

Conclusion

The Tourism Industry is just a very small portion of the whole environment where human
economic and social development activities take place. It, therefore, means that if the fight for
Sustainable Development must be successful, it must involve all sectors of the world
economy as well as every individual (man, woman, hoy or girl) who lives in any part of the
globe. It is high time we realise that we all share from a singular earth environment and are
all members of one family by virtue of our common heritage.

References

Canter I.W. (1977) Environmental Impact Assessment, McGraw-Hill, New York.

FEPA (1992) Environmental Impact Assessment Decree 1992 No.86.
FEPA (1988) Federal Environmental Protection Agency Decree 1988 No. 58 Lagos
Odiette, W.O (1993) "Environmental Impact Assessment For Sustainable Development in
NEST Environmental News, October-December 1993.
Okereke, D.G. 11995) "Environmental Considerations for the Sustainable Development of
Tourism in Nigeria" in NEST Environmental News, January-March.
Sekobe J.I. (1996) Tourism Development In Enugu State, an unpublished independent
project on Nigeria, UNN.
SPDC Environmental Newsletter, 1994.