ECO-HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITAT SUITABILITY MODEL FOR AQUA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN AIBA AND OKINNI DAMS
Keywords:
Aqua tourism, Wetlands, Habitat suitability modelling, Aiba Dam, Okinni DamAbstract
Wetlands serve as prime aqua tourism destinations for leisure activities and provide critical ecosystem services. However, increasing human population pressure, grazing, and adverse climatic conditions have resulted in unsustainable land use practices in Nigeria. This study assessed the eco-hydrological characteristics of Aiba and Okinni dams. It identified key factors affecting habitat suitability, and developed a suitability model for aqua tourism development. Data collection involved water sampling across three different courses of the dams, mapping of the wetlands using Global Positioning System, and acquisition of Landsat satellite imageries from the U.S. Geological Service. Semi-structured interviews of stakeholders and experts in tourism and wetland management were also conducted. Analytical tools included t-tests, Analytical Hierarchical Process and GIS-based approaches. Findings revealed no significant variation in physicochemical parameters except coliform, which was higher at Okinni. In addition, microbiological analysis revealed higher fungal and yeast counts at Okinni. Although both dams hold strong potential for aqua tourism, poor management practices have reduced suitability levels and solar radiation was a major factor influencing habitat suitability. There is a need for the development of policy frameworks that address wetland protection, collaborative stakeholder planning, and comprehensive aqua tourism management plans for the wetlands.
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