@article{MAKHILLERJ201913128434,
    title = {Integration of Environmental Justice to the Management of Forest Ecosystems in
South-South Region of Nigeria},
    journal = {Environmental Research Journal},
    volume = {13},
    number = {1},
    pages = {35-50},
    year = {2019},
    issn = {1994-5396},
    doi = {erj.2019.35.50},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1994-5396&doi=erj.2019.35.50},
    author = {Owolabi Babatunde},
    keywords = {wetlands,forest reserve,ecosystem valuation,environmental justice,Ecosystem services,assessment},
    abstract = {Globally, wetland ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystems services useful for both local and
national communities. The upper Orashi wetland of international importance have witnessed severe depletion
Edue to anthropogenic activities and poor management practices that are not able to promote justice within the
environment South-South region of Nigeria. This study assessed the progress towards Environmental Justice
(EJ) in the management of the Upper Orashi forest reserve. The case study research approach was adopted to
identify upper Orashi forest reserve and the management system put in place. Spatially disaggregated ecosystem
datasets and multi-temporal Landsat imageries were subjected to image analysis and processed using a
supervised classification GIS technique to assess changes in ecosystem biomes in the forest between 1988 and
2018. The study made use of the benefit transfer technique for monetary valuation of ecosystems and the value
depleted over the 30 year period. The study then assessed progress towards EJ using a suite of indicators for
its dimensions, performance scoring and guidance notes. Results indicate that the ecosystems and their services
have greatly depleted. Monetarily, $1.815 billion (N635.5 billion) worth of the ecosystem services of the forest
has been lost over the period. It was also found out that the management system for Upper Orashi forest did
not achieve the standard achievement mark of EJ, indicating a high level of environmental injustice in the study
area. This calls for continuous valuation and assessment of the Upper Orashi forest reserve and its ecosystem
services using updated environmental indicators tools to progress environmental justice.}
    }