Oxford
Advanced Learner’s dictionary (2001) defines environment as the conditions that
affects the behaviour and development of somebody or something. Environment is
connected with the natural conditions in which people, animals and plants live.
Pollution:
is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that discomfort to the
physical systems or living organism. Pollution can take the form of chemical
substances, or energy such as noise, heat, or light energy. The elements of
pollution can be foreign substances or energies when naturally occurring. There
are considered contaminants when they exceed natural levels. It is often
classed as point source or non-point source pollution.
MAJOR FORMS OF POLLUTION
Pollution
in Nigeria is of various forms according to Adeyinka, Bankole and Solomon
(2005). These include:
Sheet
erosion, gully erosion, coastal marine erosion and land subsidence which occur
particularly in the coastal area.
Flooding
occurs in Nigeria in three main forms: Costal flooding, river flooding and
urban flooding. Air pollution from spills, oil well blowout, oil ballast
discharges and improper disposal of drilling mud from petroleum prospecting and
so.
PUBLIC RELATING STRATEGIES FOR CHECKING ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION
Public
relations principles recognize that a pro-active approach is the best philosophy
for addressing issues that lead to crises, by using the regular planned and
sustained programme of communication which is consistent communication and
thoughtful planning. The public relations practitioner is better prepared to
encounter environmental problems and issues with a measure of calm and success.
Tools for pro-active management are information, knowledge and communication. A
massive education and enlightenment campaign.
This
is aimed at informing and educating and sensitizing the public (s) on the
impact of environment pollution, causes of environmental degradation and
devastating activities on the environment and its effect on human existence.
Using public relations strategies communication which is unraveling faced with
the challenges of unraveling and simplifies the complexity of environment
issues to ensure sound understanding among the stake holders. Using skills of
innovation, creativity adaptability, imagination and decision making.
MOBILIZATION OF WORKING GROUP MEMBERS
The
working group members should be established to address the prioritized
environmental issues. UNCHS (1996), a working group (WG) an international and
cross sectional group established to address any environmental issue of
concern. They are to be seen as a forum where ideas are generated,
resources are mobilized for project implementation and a plat form for
information sharing.
AN INDEPENDENT MONITORING COMMITTEE
The
committee will keep track of developments, events and records and to ensure that
there are no deviations from set goals and objectives. The committee will also
have the capacity to monitor and inform the stakeholders on the issues at
stake.
Identification and Prioritization of Environmental Issues
It
involves the bottom-up planning process that consists of carrying entire stake
holders along. The stake holders are those whose interests are affected. Those
who expertise, and those who control relevant implementation instrument. All
the stake holders should be invited to join in the planning process.
Stakeholders include private individuals, informal organizations, local
government professional bodies and international agencies.
These
are also incorporated to focus on several major environmental
issues, providing a forum for discussing of future development, so that there
would be effective collaboration through public meetings, consultation and
working sections.
Tags
ENVIRONMENT