Abstract
Effective management of solid wastes is a goal that is yet to be achieved in many countries, even developed ones. In attempt to carry out a study on effective waste management system as a solution to the menace marine litters posed on coastal communities, three coastal areas in Lagos State Nigeria which are known for fishing, recreation, housing, and other various coastal activities were selected. Three groups of research questions were formulated based on the problem perception and impacts, actors and level of governance, and strategy and instrument; and each question was examined, and specific strategy was developed for necessary data gathering. This study was based on the observational findings and interviews conducted for various actors; and conclusion and recommendations were based on the evaluation of the research questions. While a clear cut of marine littering resulting from ineffective solid waste management was the case at Makoko and Ebute-metta, the dividend of relatively effective solid waste management system with multi-actor approach was seen clearly at Victoria Island bar beach, as this location was found to be relatively clean, thus reducing the chances of litters escaping into the marine system. Generally, the major impacts identified are aesthetics impairment, health issues, and economic downscale. Based on the studied sites, the framework for requisite actions to address the problem of marine littering in an effective and sustainable manner is documented herein. Key words: Solid waste, waste management, marine litter, Makoko, Ebute-metta, Victoria Island, multi-actor approach, pollution, coastal community.
Highlights
Human health and environmental quality are undergoing continuous degradation by the increasing amount of wastes being produced (UNCED, 1992; Osibanjo, 2001)
This paper provides an overview of the current state of solid waste management in the coastal areas of Lagos, Nigeria, and the causes of marine litter in these areas
Interviews were conducted for key officials who are responsible for solid waste management, institutional organizations, research bodies, governmental authorities at central and municipal levels who are concerned with coastal litter management which includes the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the coastal communities
Summary
Human health and environmental quality are undergoing continuous degradation by the increasing amount of wastes being produced (UNCED, 1992; Osibanjo, 2001). Solid waste is a major public health and environmental. Referred to as marine litter or debris, is any item that appears on beaches, or at sea as a result of anthropogenic activities causing environmental quality deterioration (Storrier and McGlashan, 2006). Littering has been attributed to, inter alia, poor solid waste management practices, lack of infrastructure, indiscriminate human activities and behaviours, and an inadequate understanding on the part of public on the potential consequences of their actions (UNEP, 2009). Marine litter is an environmental, economic, health and aesthetic problem. It threatens marine and coastal biological diversity in productive coastal areas (UNEP, 2005)
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