World Water Day: Stakeholders call for glacier preservation

Stakeholders in the water sector have been urged to ensure effective management and planning aimed at sustaining glacier systems.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubuo Ubuo, made this call while speaking at a one-day seminar to mark the 2025 Water Day celebration in Uyo over the weekend.

The Commissioner noted that glacier preservation is one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, as glaciers serve as guardians of the planet’s history.

With the theme “Glacier Preservation,” Ubuo explained that preserving glaciers in practical terms involves reducing vehicular traffic, planting trees, using eco-friendly products, minimizing pesticide use, and avoiding bush burning, among other measures.

“Considering that the world is a global village, what goes around comes around. Let all hands be on deck to preserve our glaciers for the sustainability of the ecosystem.

“I urge all stakeholders in water resource planning, exploration, and management, as well as wetland and coastal managers, to collaborate and adopt an integrated water resource management approach that ensures the preservation and sustainability of glacier systems,” he said.

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In his keynote address, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Uyo, Gabriel Umoh, stated that melting glaciers affect ocean currents, causing sea levels to rise, which often leads to flooding in coastal communities, including some in Akwa Ibom.

The professor defined a glacier as an accumulation of snow and ice that moves over land, adding that glaciers exist worldwide except in Australia.

“Studies have shown that 43,110 residents of Akwa Ibom State are affected by floods. They have been displaced but still live in their communities. Therefore, adapting to glacier-related challenges has become a major concern for experts,” Prof. Umoh said.

He, therefore, recommended several action plans for the government and relevant authorities to preserve glaciers and mitigate climate change caused by glacier degradation.

“These measures should include reducing carbon emissions through an authorized framework, tree planting, awareness campaigns to educate the public, and support for government policies and regulations,” he added.

However, he emphasized the need for the state government to prioritize WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues, particularly in terms of timely fund approvals and implementation, given the importance of water in all aspects of life.