Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Review of Industrial Activities: A Threat to Biodiversity and Ecotourism Development in Delta State, Nigeria
Ajani, F.; Pudie, A.

Abstract
Biodiversity is a term that describes the variety of living beings on earth. It encompasses microorganisms, plants, animals and ecosystems such as coral reefs, forests, deserts, valleys, hills, water bodies, indigenous cultural activities and festivals of a people including mode of worship. Biodiversity loss, which is a result of environmental degradation, is a situation in which a part of the natural environment is damaged. It could be damage to the land, water, or air. The major Industrial activities that are threats to biodiversity in Delta State are oil spillage and gas flaring. These activities lead to serious biodiversity loss, forest depletion, mangrove degradation, environmental pollution, fisheries depletion, flooding, unhealthy environment, poverty and even death and these leaves no room for tourism development. Delta state is well endowed with biodiversity, and this could be harnessed for ecotourism purpose, thus generating revenue for the state and project the cultural identity of the state while empowering the local people. However, the biodiversity and ecotourism development of the state is been threatened. Biodiversity destruction has serious and complex adverse effects on tourist visitation, and the economies of both Delta State and individual households in the state. This study is therefore aimed at identifying some of the ecotourism attractions of Delta State, various threats to these attractive biodiversities and to explore the potential effects of these destructions on ecotourism development in the State.

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