The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) warned that illegal artisanal refining, unsustainable fishing, and irresponsible mangrove harvesting threaten environmental recovery in Ogoniland, urging Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify community campaigns against these activities.
HYPREP Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey issued the warning on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while receiving a coalition of CSOs under the CORDAID Strategic Partnership that visited Rivers State to assess cleanup sites and evaluate progress in the Ogoni environmental restoration programme.
Zabbey said sustaining the achievements of the cleanup required more than remediation, stressing that communities must collectively protect restored ecosystems against renewed pollution and environmentally destructive practices.
He identified public sensitisation on sustainable fishing, responsible mangrove harvesting and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining as critical areas where CSOs could support environmental protection.
According to him, the return of aquatic organisms, including different crab species, to restored water bodies indicates ecological recovery, but their survival depends on responsible environmental practices.
He also called for stronger collaboration in promoting ecotourism, carbon stock assessment, climate finance and alternative livelihoods, particularly following the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as an internationally important Ramsar Site.
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Zabbey said the designation placed a collective responsibility on stakeholders to preserve the wetlands while exploring sustainable economic opportunities that would reduce pressure on natural resources.
He subsequently briefed the delegation on HYPREP’s achievements and ongoing interventions across the project’s thematic areas.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, CORDAID Consultant, Tolese Olatinwo, described the visit as encouraging, recalling the partnership’s five-year advocacy for environmental restoration, alternative livelihoods and community participation in the cleanup programme.
Olatinwo said the coalition was pleased with the progress observed at project sites and would review its previous advocacy scorecard before establishing fresh objectives.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Kabetkache Centre for Women Development, Dr Emem Okon, commended HYPREP’s efforts towards women’s inclusion and livelihood development.
Okon recalled that her organisation had conducted a livelihood needs assessment for women and advocated greater female participation in the cleanup programme.
She said the coalition would develop a new pathway of change focusing on community sensitisation, environmental advocacy and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining.
The coalition also commended HYPREP’s progress in mangrove restoration, shoreline cleanup, potable water provision and public health interventions, while applauding increased women’s participation in project activities.
During the visit, the delegation inspected the K-Dere Water Facility, Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the mangrove restoration site in Bomu, where members also participated in symbolic mangrove planting.
The assessment was aimed at reviewing progress, strengthening advocacy, and identifying fresh areas of collaboration to sustain environmental recovery and improve the livelihoods of communities across Ogoniland.
