INVESTIGATING THE LEGAL IMPACT OF WASTES ON ECOSYSTEMS, BIODIVERSITY, AND THE THREATS TO VARIOUS SPECIES

Abstract

The impact of waste on ecosystems and biodiversity poses a significant threat to the health of various species and the environment. Waste can lead to long-term ecosystem imbalances by impairing reproductive systems, reducing populations, and even causing species extinction. However, human activity continues to exacerbate the issue, with unsustainable practices like deforestation, overfishing, and improper waste disposal adding to the problem. Protecting biodiversity requires a multifaceted approach, combining regulation, education, and the adoption of sustainable practices across industries and communities. The research methodology adopted is doctrinal, focusing on analyzing existing data, literature, laws, and regulations related to waste management, ecosystem impacts, and biodiversity. This paper finds that the legal and policy review reveals an excessive overlap and duplication of regulations and laws on waste management and environmental protection. Despite international agreements and local legislations, Nigeria fails to enforce these laws effectively, leading to ongoing threats to biodiversity. This paper recommends that when waste, especially non-biodegradable, is re-used or recycled for the packaging of other goods, or disinfected and rebranded for reuse instead of being used once and discarded, it reduces the risk to biodiversity and ecological pollution.