The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has assured Ogoni communities of full involvement and tangible benefits as it rolls out Phase 2 of its ambitious mangrove restoration initiative.
Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot inspection of thriving mangrove nurseries established by trained HYPREP Mangrove Vanguards in Bomu, Bodo, and Gbe communities in Gokana Local Government Area.
Zabbey expressed satisfaction with the quality of seedlings nurtured by the Vanguards, describing the development as a major boost for the restoration drive.
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“HYPREP has established a solid framework that will transfer vital skills in mangrove planting and nursery management while empowering locals through direct purchase of seedlings by contractors,” he said.
According to him, HYPREP has trained 70 Mangrove Vanguards drawn from seven Ogoni communities, including Bomu, Bodo, K-Dere, Gbe, Kpor, Lewe, and Goi, with the participants not only receiving grants to establish nurseries in their areas but also being equipped with skills for sustainable planting, commercial production, and training of others.
Professor Zabbey said the Vanguards are expected to serve as ambassadors for mangrove restoration and conservation, forming a key part of HYPREP’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The coordinator was accompanied on the visit by Portuguese professional filmmaker Salome Lamas, as the team also inspected other established mangrove sites in Bomu.
