WMD: HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment To Restoring Polluted Mangrove Ecosystems
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring oil-degraded mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland, announcing the expansion of its systematic restoration programme as part of activities marking the 2026 World Mangrove Day.
In a statement issued to commemorate the global observance on July 26, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, said the Project is combining modern ecological science with indigenous knowledge to restore mangrove biodiversity while promoting community-led conservation and environmental stewardship across Ogoni communities.
He noted that this year's theme, "Raise Awareness of the Importance of Mangrove Ecosystems for Sustainable Conservation, Management and Use," aligns with HYPREP's ongoing efforts to promote ecosystem resilience, coastal protection, integrated coastal management, and the blue economy.
According to him, mangroves play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges, improving water quality, providing breeding grounds for fish and shellfish, conserving biodiversity, and storing significant amounts of "blue carbon," making them essential in the fight against climate change.
He further disclosed that in line with the recommendations of the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, HYPREP has recorded significant milestones in reversing decades of environmental degradation caused by oil pollution and unsustainable human activities.
The Project Coordinator revealed that Phase One of the Mangrove Restoration Programme successfully restored 560 hectares of oil-degraded mangrove, achieving over 90 percent seedling and sapling survival after two years, adding that monitoring data have indicated a remarkable recovery of mangrove-associated wildlife.
Building on the success of the first phase, he said Phase Two is currently underway across seven Ogoni communities of Bomu, Lewe, Kpor, K- Dere, Bodo, Goi, and Gbe, where an additional 438 hectares of degraded mangrove are being restored.
Zabbey further stated that HYPREP's restoration efforts support Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) by enhancing carbon sequestration, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing nature-based solutions to climate change.
Among its landmark achievements, he highlighted the successful designation of the Ogoni Mangrove Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, describing the recognition as a major step toward long-term environmental protection and ecotourism development.
The statement also reported significant ecological improvements, including increased fish diversity and the return of several species previously absent from degraded mangrove habitats. These include crabs, periwinkles, oysters, bloody cockles, shrimps, mudskippers, gobies, and other fin fish, saying, HYPREP has continued the systematic removal of invasive nipa palms from restoration sites.
To ensure sustainable conservation, Zabbey said the Project has intensified community engagement through awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging unsustainable mangrove harvesting and encouraging responsible resource management.
He also highlighted several community-focused initiatives, including the introduction of eco-friendly Growcoon nursery bags to replace single-use plastics and the distribution of 200 low-biomass energy cookstoves to reduce dependence on mangrove wood for cooking.
According to Zabbey, more than 160 women and youths have been trained as "Mangrove Vanguards" to manage community nurseries and serve as conservation ambassadors, while about 1,380 community members have earned livelihoods through mangrove restoration activities such as nipa palm removal, seedling planting, maintenance, and environmental monitoring.
Reaffirming its commitment to implementing the UNEP recommendations for Ogoniland, he called on host communities to continue supporting the environmental restoration initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the projects.
The Project Coordinator also urged governments, development partners, civil society organisations, researchers, and local communities to strengthen collaboration in protecting mangrove ecosystems, stressing that collective action is essential for safeguarding biodiversity, rebuilding livelihoods, and advancing global climate action.
Zabbey concluded by calling on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to protecting mangrove ecosystems, noting that preserving mangroves is critical to securing the environment, strengthening communities, and ensuring a sustainable future.
