Akassa—Raynus Ebiegberi, a wildlife conservationist, has said Bayelsa State has several untapped tourist opportunities.
In an exclusive interview with Mangrovepen.ng, Raynus added that the state is blessed with natural features like creeks, seas, land, oceans and tropical forest.
According to him, several countries the world over leverage on the tourism sector to boost revenue.
He maintained that Bayelsa with its coastline, tranquil surroundings, thick wildlife forests can become a hub for tourists like other states.
Raynus lamented that most Bayelsans travel to neighbouring states for pleasure tourism.
He said, “Tourism contributes 5% of global GDP. It is a cornerstone for various states across the globe.
“For example, in the forest, Bayelsa state is a hive of wildlife and flora; the littoral is teeming with significant animals with a global emphasis, as well as a plethora of trees that necessitate regular stands.
“The state has the most deltaic coasts in the country, with beautiful coastlines and intriguing islands.
“Despite the enormous potential of tourism and the benefits it brings to development, stakeholders, including the government, do not consider tourism as a top priority for increasing the state’s IGR.
“People from Bayelsa travel to other Niger Delta states like Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and others to adjust to the new environment created by the sister administration. Why is Bayelsa suffering from a lack of resources drives?
“The numerous forest reserves should be harnessed, natural resource management measures should be supported, and the Brass Local Government environment, which includes major biodiversity sites such as mangroves and endangered species, should be incorporated into a strategic framework.”
He said that one of the ways to develop the sector is to strengthen the resource management measures especially in Brass LGA which has rich biodiversity sites that are endangered.
Raynus, who is also a youth affairs coordinator of the Akassa Development Foundation (ADF) urged the state government to take pragmatic steps to develop the sector and leverage its potentials.
“Bayelsans expect the state government to turn around and implement an inclusive development plan regarding tourism.
“And the government must take responsibility for ensuring that the sector runs smoothly by matching words with actions,” he stated.
