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AUTHOR(S): Chiamaka Lovelyn Olisa, Michael Ajide Oyinloye, Babatope Sunday Olisa
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TITLE Depletion Threat on Blue Space and Prospects of Blue Economy in Akure, Nigeria |
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ABSTRACT Blue space depletion remains a key concern to the sustainability of urban ecosystem, wellbeing and sustainable planning in the world today particularly Nigeria. This has led to serious degradation within urban environments and their possible economic gains. This study examined the condition of blue space depletion in Akure with a view to accentuate blue space economic gains. The specific objectives which include; identifying the existing blue space available in Akure; assessing the spatiotemporal pattern of the blue space between 1984 and 2022; examine the rate of depletion of blue space and examine blue space economic viability. The study used primary survey for observational and explorative study to identify existing blue spaces in the study area. It explored the use of Geospatial techniques in evaluating the depletion of blue space in Akure 1984 to 2022. River and stream network data of the study area was obtained from SRTM, while the quantification reflecting the depletion of blue space was done using classification method in ArcGIS. The study revealed significant disappearance of blue space networks, spatial distributions and levels of encroachment on the branches of blue spaces in the study area; which are attributed to human occupation, construction, and sand filling (burial). The connectivity of river/stream networks and pockets of blue spaces declined in the health and vigor. The study concludes that the rate of depletion of blue space is significant alongside its attendant related hazards of flooding problems and environmental degradation as observed within the study area. The study recommends that proper check and management of river and stream networks as well as other artificial drainage channels will offset the trajectory of blue space depletion. |
KEYWORDS Blue Space, Economy, Drainage, Stream Network, Depletion, River, Management |
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Cite this paper Chiamaka Lovelyn Olisa, Michael Ajide Oyinloye, Babatope Sunday Olisa. (2025) Depletion Threat on Blue Space and Prospects of Blue Economy in Akure, Nigeria. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems, 10, 291-300 |
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