FG move to Launch Mangrove Restoration Project In Niger
Delta
As part of measures towards ensuring the protection of mangroves
and oceans in the country, the Federal Government (FG) is
considering a National Mangrove Restoration Project that will
deliver environmental and sustainable livelihood benefits for
people living in the Niger Delta region.
Minister of State for Environment, Barr. Sharon Ikeazor,
announced this as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to
commemorate the 2020 International Day for the Conservation of the
Mangrove Ecosystem.
Barr. Ikeazor further stated that the federal government is
ready to support any programme that would help in promoting healthy
mangrove ecosystem in the country.
According to her, Nigeria has the largest mangrove cover in
Africa, and the fourth largest in the World.
She added that over 60% of these mangroves, equivalent to 6,000
square kilometres, is found in the Niger-Delta region.
She said: “Physically, they serve as buffers between marine and
terrestrial communities; protect shorelines from damaging winds,
waves and floods; and reduce coastal erosion. Mangrove thickets
improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping
sediments from the land.
“Ecologically, they provide habitat for a diverse array of
terrestrial organisms and support a rich biodiversity. Their soils
are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of
carbon, thereby reducing Greenhouse Gases.”
The Minister called on individuals and corporate organizations
to support government’s effort in making sure that mangroves are
restored and protected across the country.
She disclosed that the federal government is demonstrating its
commitment to the conservation and management of the mangroves, by
signing and ratifying some multilateral agreements, such as Abidjan
Convention, Ramsar Convention and Maputo Convention, among
others.
As part of efforts in sustainable utilization of ocean
resources, she disclosed that Nigeria has joined and committed to
the 30By30 Global Ocean Alliance, a UK-led initiative, aimed at
protecting 30% of the global oceans within Marine Protected Area by
2030.
“The Government, through the Department of Forestry, is
undertaking a Mangrove Restoration Project, known as ‘Mangrove for
Life Project’, which aims to restore degraded and manage existing
mangrove forests in Nigeria.
“This project is being implemented through Wetlands
International (Africa) and Regional Partnership for Coastal and
Marine Conservation.
“In addition, the Department of Forestry and the National Park
Service have conducted a coastal study to identify potential marine
protected areas,” she noted.
Ikeazor further stated that Four sites were identified and
assessed in this study that include Taylor Creek Forest Reserve,
Num Forest Reserve, Apoi Creek Forest Reserve and Edumanon Forest
Reserve, all in Bayelsa state.
According to her, the assessment indicated that two (Apoi Creek
Forest Reserve and Edumanon Forest Reserve) of the four sites are
viable for upgrading to the status of Marine Protected Area.
The International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem
was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015, and it is
celebrated each year on the 26th of July.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Towards a Sustainable
Use of Mangrove Wood Resources”. (END)
Saghir el Mohammed
Director Press
Federal Ministry of Environment