Mitigating Biodiversity Destruction of Infrastructural Projects through Environmental Impacts Assessment

Abstract

The geometric rate of biodiversity loss in developing countries like igeria has been identified as a problem of major concern. The loss in biodiversity in modern times is evident in the extinction of many plants and animal species. In developing countries like Nigeria, more attention is given to aesthetics, functionality as well as the cost of proposed projects than the Environmental Impacts of the projects. During construction and rehabilitation of infrastructural projects, biodiversity is destroyed. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring the various ways by which infrastructural projects affect biodiversity, with a view to proffering ways of its restoration. The negative effects of infrastructural projects on biodiversity can be reduced through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This will help in averting the detrimental effects on natural resources. In situations, where natural habitat loss is unavoidable, adequate mitigation measures such as provision of strict protection zones along the proposed projects should be adopted. In order to meet the Sustainable Development Goal, EIA should be carried out before projects that may have a negative impact on the environment are constructed.