..urges protection of wetlands, forests, floodplains to combat climate change

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called for the adoption of nature-based solutions and climate-resilient physical planning as part of efforts to address the growing impacts of climate change across the country.

The Institute made the call in a statement by its Public Relations Secretary, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, on behalf of the National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day celebrated under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

According to the Institute, Nigerian cities are increasingly facing the devastating effects of climate change, including flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion and air pollution, with many of the challenges being aggravated by unplanned urban growth and environmental degradation.

“Our cities are on the frontlines. Flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion, and air pollution are no longer distant threats but are already affecting our daily lives,” the statement said.

The Institute noted that the impacts of climate change have been worsened by the loss of green spaces, poor drainage systems and weak enforcement of physical development plans.

It described the 2026 World Environment Day theme as a reminder of the critical role nature plays in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future.

“The theme underscores the vital role of nature in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. It reminds us that healthy ecosystems, green spaces, forests, wetlands, and biodiversity are not only environmental assets but also powerful tools for climate resilience and sustainable development,” the statement added.

NITP stressed that the development of livable, inclusive and climate-resilient communities requires planning approaches that work in harmony with nature.

“As professional planners, NITP recognizes that the creation of livable, inclusive, and climate-resilient communities requires planning approaches that work in harmony with nature. Through sustainable land-use planning, environmental conservation, green infrastructure and climate-smart urban development, planners have a critical role to play in mitigating climate change and enhancing the quality of life in our cities and rural communities,” it stated.

The Institute urged governments at all levels, private sector organisations, professionals and citizens to view climate change as a planning challenge requiring urgent and coordinated action, urging for the protection of natural resources, promotion of environmental sustainability policies and the adoption of climate-resilient planning strategies.

Among the measures advocated by the Institute are the protection of floodplains, wetlands and urban forests as natural buffers against environmental hazards, the development of compact and connected cities, and the promotion of waste-to-resource systems.

NITP also called for stricter regulation of practices that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, including open burning, uncontrolled landfills and building methods that worsen heat and flooding.

The Institute further urged government authorities to strengthen planning institutions and integrate climate adaptation and mitigation measures into national development policies. “Together, let us be inspired by nature to take bold actions for the climate and build a healthier, greener, and more resilient future for all,” the statement said.