Cultural ecosystem service of the marine coastal area of Nigeria: a case study of coastal areas of Ondo and Lagos States, Nigeria

Abstract

Coastal and marine ecosystems are of diverse cultural ecosystem values to mankind and nature. This assertion forms the basis for undertaking research studies on the significance of coastal and marine ecosystems in Lagos and Ondo States, Nigeria. Two Local Government Areas were purposively selected in the two states, while questionnaires were administered to the respondents based on their willingness to participate in the study. This was complemented with Key Informant Interview (KII), and thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data collected, while the derivable benefits were rated on a Likert scale. The quantitative data were analysed to derive inference using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and the results were presented descriptively. The research findings revealed information on the varied demographic characteristics of the respondents, medium of information, management and conservation practices, as well as the derivable benefits. There are indications that associated cultural services, values and the derivable benefits have been sustained through human interactions and traditional practices conceptualised in the Indigenous Knowledge System. While maximising the derivable benefits from this ecosystem, there is a need to put necessary measures in place to facilitate intricate links with the identified Indigenous Knowledge System and sustainable management approaches.