LANDSCAPE RECLAMATION FOR ABANDONED MINING SITE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION ON THE JOS PLATEAU

Emmamoge Orewere¹, Ayodele Owonubi¹ & Sada Zainab²

¹Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology,

Federal College of Forestry, Jos

 ²Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Design,

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nation particularly (goal fifteen) subtitled: LIFE ON LAND: protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystem, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss targeted for year 2030  and Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 (NV 20:2020) Economic Transformation Blueprint cannot be overemphasized. Illegal mining is one of the biggest problems with regard to environmental destruction and ecological disruptions. It presents a plethora of environmental, social and economic problems. Thus using abandoned quarries as sites for new construction is a useful form of reclamation, one that has occurred throughout history. The main thrust of this paper, is to reclaim an abandoned mining site through landscape development for outdoor recreation to tourist who needs to recreate either actively or passively on the Jos Plateau. The study objective is to develop the conceptual framework to serve as a basis for creating a suitable design of an abandoned mining area. It focuses on Guut-Rayfield area in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The methodology employed for this study is physical site survey, case studies and literature search. The paper submits by way of conclusion that land reclamation strategies through landscape development should be implemented alongside mining plan for effective restoration after mining operation ceases. Working closely with community dwellers, allied professionals, and the government would ensure sustainable development is achieved. 

Keywords: Landscape reclamation, Mining site, Outdoor recreation, Plateau