The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has stepped up efforts to heal Ogoniland’s fragile ecosystem with the launch of Phase 2 of its mangrove restoration programme, beginning with the training of 70 community-based Mangrove Vanguards drawn from seven shoreline communities in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The training, held at the Gberesaakoo Hall in Kpor, brought together youths and women from Bomu, Bodo, K-Dere, Gbe, Kpor, Lewe and Goi, carefully selected to serve as frontline custodians of mangrove recovery in their communities.
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Speaking at the programme, Team Lead for Mangrove Restoration, Dr Izuchukwu Uche, said the new phase builds on the gains of Phase 1, which recorded encouraging ecological improvements.
He noted that lessons learnt from the earlier phase have shaped a more targeted and effective approach in Phase 2, which covers 28 restoration lots across the seven communities.
Dr Uche explained that beyond environmental recovery, the initiative is designed as a livelihood support scheme.
Participants, 45% of whom are women, are being trained in mangrove nursery establishment and management and will receive grants to set up nurseries in their communities, supplying seedlings for ongoing restoration while earning sustainable income.
Lead facilitator, Prof Franklin Tanen, said the training equips participants with practical skills to identify local mangrove species, understand threats to mangrove ecosystems and manage nurseries for both conservation and commercial purposes.
Participants described the training as timely and empowering. Mr Baridi Kobani from Goi community said it has opened new opportunities for self-reliance, while Ms Florence Nenibarini Farah from K-Dere expressed optimism that the programme will help restore lost mangrove vegetation and revive aquatic life in Ogoni creeks.
With the Phase 2 rollout, HYPREP says it will continue to engage and monitor the Mangrove Vanguards to ensure long-term sustainability, community ownership and measurable environmental recovery across Ogoniland.
