Environmental Impact Assessment Protocol for Ecotourism Projects in Nigerian Coastal Areas

Ecotourism development in coastal and marine environments carries significant ecological risks if inadequate environmental safeguards are applied during planning and implementation. In Nigeria's coastal states spanning the South South and South West geopolitical zones, the rapid expansion of beach resort and marina development projects has outpaced the capacity of environmental regulatory institutions to enforce adequate assessment procedures. This study reviews the adequacy of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocols currently applied to ecotourism development projects in Nigerian coastal areas, drawing on case studies from Rivers State, Bayelsa State, and Lagos State. Analysis of 18 approved EIA reports was conducted alongside interviews with 25 EIA consultants, state environmental officers, and community representatives. Results indicate that wildlife and biodiversity components of submitted EIAs are systematically underemphasized, with flora and fauna sections frequently limited to species lists derived from desktop review rather than field survey. Community consultation processes are largely formal and non-participatory. Post-approval monitoring provisions are present in fewer than 30 percent of reviewed reports. The study recommends the revision of national EIA guidelines for coastal ecotourism projects, mandatory pre-application ecological baseline surveys, and independent post-construction compliance monitoring. Standardized wildlife impact scoring tools for coastal ecosystems are proposed for integration into the Federal Ministry of Environment's EIA framework. Keywords: environmental impact assessment, coastal ecotourism, Nigeria, biodiversity safeguards, South South Nigeria