Efforts to restore degraded wetlands in Rivers State are underway as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with other organizations, has launched a mangrove restoration initiative in Andoni Local Government Area. Funded by the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, the project targets the rehabilitation of wetlands affected by the invasive Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans), which has displaced native mangroves and threatened biodiversity.
The project, which has already seen the planting of over 15,000 mangroves, is designed to revitalize the ecosystem while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. According to Shittu Usman, NCF’s Senior Officer for Climate Change and Nature-based Solutions, the mangrove restoration initiative is about more than just planting trees. It aims to rebuild the ecological balance critical for marine life, such as periwinkles, fish, and crabs, which sustain the local economy.
“This is a major step in reviving Andoni’s wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and the livelihoods of the community,” Usman said at the launch of the Nature Sustainable Multipurpose Cooperative Society. He urged the community to utilize the cooperative, which has trained residents to transform Nipa palm into household items. Beneficiaries will receive financial support through stipends deposited in their cooperative accounts.
Usman noted that the newly planted mangroves are already germinating and will flourish within six months to a year, providing long-term ecological and economic benefits. “Mangroves are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Their growth ensures the survival of countless species and will benefit the community for generations,” he said, adding that the project is already boosting periwinkle populations in some areas.
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The Director of Forestry at the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Nkem Udoaya, applauded NCF’s efforts but highlighted the challenges posed by Nipa palm, which now dominates 25% of the Niger Delta wetlands. Initially introduced for its perceived benefits, Nipa palm has disrupted the mangrove ecosystem. However, its repurposing into crafts offers new economic opportunities for the community.
Local residents praised the initiative for equipping them with skills to remove invasive Nipa palm and create marketable products, while experts like Dr. Grace Alawa, Executive Director of Sustainable Action for Nature, warned of the need for urgency to prevent further colonization of the wetlands.
This restoration project not only addresses environmental damage but also creates sustainable economic opportunities for the Andoni community, marking a critical step in conserving Rivers State’s fragile ecosystem.
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