Factors Influencing Coastal Ecosystem Services and Societal Impacts in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. Human activity over time has increased along the world's coastlines. The more humans increase, the more danger to the coastal landscapes. The need to address this population issue is made more urgent by the fact that growing human activity has drastically changed the natural ecosystem and the services it offers. Study Aim: The aim of study is to investigate the factors that influences the ecosystem services of coastal landscapes and its societal impact of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo state. Methods: The study utilized a quantitative research method, a cross-sectional community-based survey, with a sample size of 505 respondents from three main communities, Mahin, Ugbo, and Ugbonla. We collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (Mode) and inferential statistical methods (Chi-square, Spearman's rho Correlation Coefficient and Ordinal regression analyses) using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results: The study discovered the following factors affecting the ecosystem services of coastal landscapes in the study area:  widespread and increasing pressure on marine and coastal resources, the prohibited use of these resources for places like the hideouts of militants, kidnappers, and smugglers, the misuse of these resources for public markets, and the abandonment of rickety and spoilt ships and boats. The results showed that illegal uses, such as hiding places for terrorists, kidnappers, and smugglers, had a detrimental effect on ecosystem services' ability to provide clean water, air to people in the environment and detrimental influence on the environment's ability to promote human well-being and healthy living. Recommendation: Based on the findings, it is recommended that the administration of Ondo State should work with the Ministry of Blue Economy to combat the unauthorized use of Ilaje LGA's coastal landscapes in order to develop them for tourism and hospitality enterprises and generate income as a consequence of economic diversification. This will help in achieving the United Nations Sustainable goals 1, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14.