Nigeria # # Niger Delta : Peace and Co - operation Through Sustainable Development

The Niger Delta is a wetland of about 70,000 square kilometres. It spreads over a number of ecological zones: sandy coastal ridge barriers, brackish or saline mangroves, freshwater permanent and seasonal swamp forests, and lowland rain forests. Over the years, the rainforest area has been cultivated, leaving only the seasonal and permanent swamps as original vegetation. Subsistence farming and fishing is the mainstay of the people. The ecosystem is particularly sensitive to changes in water quality, such as salinity or pollution and to changes in hydrology of the region which is determined by the Atlantic Ocean and the flood region of the River Niger. Some 1,600 long-settled communities inhabit the area. However, in recent times, economic activities, mostly the oil industry, have caused significant immigration to the area. The upland areas, particularly the urban centres, are densely populated, while the swamps have scattered settlements taking advantage of higher ground. Presently, the oil and gas industry drives the economy of the Niger Delta, and to some extent social activities in the area.