About ANSEWCCA
The Anambra State Erosion, Watershed, and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA) is a dynamic and proactive agency committed to addressing environmental challenges and fostering resilience in Anambra State, Nigeria. Our multifaceted mission is centered around the sustainable management of erosion, watersheds, and climate change impacts, all while promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being
How we operate at ANSEWCCA
ANSEWCCA is actively engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment and enhancing resilience in Anambra State. Our core activities include:
Collaboration with Relevant MDAs: We work closely with various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to spearhead the recovery and establishment of vegetative buffer zones and forest reserves throughout the state. These collaborative efforts are instrumental in preserving ecosystems, mitigating erosion, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Retraining Residents: ANSEWCCA places a strong emphasis on community engagement and education. We provide training and awareness programs to residents, especially those living in areas prone to erosion. A significant focus of this effort is to discourage residents from returning to reclaimed land areas for which they have been compensated before erosion control work is completed. This proactive approach helps prevent erosion-related hazards and protects the well-being of our communities.
Our Core Functions
Intervention, Prevention and Control
Continuing Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) intervention approach in erosion prevention and control, watershed management and climate change across Anambra State and maintaining of erosion control Structures constructed under NEWMAP
Mitigations
Arresting early and mid-stage gully formations, that is, prevention of gully formation and flood incidents by storm water channelization and proper termination of drainages in target catchments across the State
Research Hub
Serving as State’s knowledge and research hub on erosion prevention, catchment management and climate change matters – helping to craft policies and drive implementation efforts for the State in his core area
Management and Maintenance
Management and maintenance of reclaimed land areas and other assets acquired by Anambra State Government under NEWMAP by liaising with State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for related implementation and enforcement matters
Land-use Enforcments
enforcement on land-use around and within erosion and erosion risk environments in Anambra State by providing regulative oversight, control on land-use and protection of natural habitats within erosion sites and erosion risk environments and aid in the collection of penalties from offenders if any.
Cordination
Serving as the focal point for coordination of efforts (State, Federal and donor assisted) towards erosion and watershed management and other ecological problems in Anambra State
Powers of the Agency
The Agency is empowered to:
(a) collaborate with relevant MDAs in the recovery and creation of vegetative buffer zones and forest reserves around the State;
(b) retrain residents from returning to reclaimed land areas for which they have been compensated before erosion control work;
(c) ensure that reclaimed lands become public property that should be reserved for the development of nature-themed recreational parks, groves and economic tree sheds for the benefit of our communities;
(d) create Riparian Vegetation on both flanks of erosion sites, flood plains, rivers, and streams protect these natural resources, encourage sustainable agriculture and sustain livelihoods at the grassroots;
(e) designate and regulate activities within the watershed and catchment at all gully sites, whether under intervention or not. This requires appropriate water conservation practices to manage storm water run-offs;
(f) work with MDAs involved in town planning, urban development and construction to ensure that storm water management is adequately provided for in all building and infrastructure designs;
(g) work with MDAS in charge of providing infrastructure particularly the Ministry of Works to ensure that road construction and drains must terminate into safe-points (natural waterways) at low velocity to reduce/eliminate the erosive damage of bulk water discharge;,
(h) provide effective enforcement and legislative framework that can attract grants to implement some of these ideas in the effort to reverse land degradation while promoting climate-friendly practices;
(i) sensitize and advocate for the right environmental practices to checkmate erosion;
(j) work with other agencies of Government to provide control on sand dredging sites, beaches, burrow pits and erosion risk activities in the State.