From Abu Dhabi.
The Project Coordinator (PC) of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has presented the initiative’s milestones in restoring mangroves in Ogoni,South South,Nigeria,to the international community.
Prof. Zabbey was a plenary speaker at the 1st International Conference on Mangrove Restoration and Conservation, held in Abu Dhabi from December 10–12, 2024.
Our correspondent reports that the event gathered mangrove restoration practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to exchange insights and innovative approaches for enhancing mangrove ecosystems.
In his presentation, titled “Multi-species mangrove restoration of crude oil-impacted shoreline in Ogoniland, Nigeria,” Prof. Zabbey emphasized the community-driven nature of HYPREP’s pilot mangrove restoration project.
He spoke on the project’s social and ecological benefits and showcased HYPREP’s contributions to mangrove restoration, through its user-friendly manual and conservation strategies.
These resources, he noted, provide valuable guidance for similar restoration efforts in Nigeria and other regions.
Prof. Zabbey also outlined future plans to sustain the gains of the mangrove restoration initiative.
Key steps , according to him,include the restoration of the West African bloody cockle, phasing out single-use plastic bags for mangrove seedling cultivation, utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) .
Others are to monitor shoreline elevation changes, studying the restoration’s impact on fisheries, and assessing the carbon stock of the restored mangroves.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
