The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has formally launched Phase 2 of its mangrove restoration programme with the training of 70 Mangrove Vanguards drawn from seven shoreline communities in Ogoniland, Rivers State. The initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Niger Delta.
The beneficiaries were selected from the communities of Bomu, Bodo, K-Dere, Gbe, Kpor, Lewe and Goi, with each community contributing 10 participants made up of youths and women. The intensive training programme was held at the Gberesaakoo Hall, Gokana Local Government Council Secretariat, Kpor, and focused on practical and theoretical aspects of mangrove restoration and nursery establishment.
Speaking at the event, the Team Lead for Mangrove Restoration at HYPREP, Dr Izuchukwu Uche, explained that the commencement of Phase 2 was informed by the notable successes recorded during Phase 1 of the programme. According to him, the initial phase delivered measurable environmental restoration outcomes, including improved mangrove survival rates and increased community participation.
Dr Uche noted that the lessons learnt from Phase 1—particularly in community engagement, nursery management and monitoring—have been carefully integrated into the design and implementation of Phase 2 to ensure improved efficiency, sustainability and impact.
He disclosed that women constitute about 45 per cent of the 70 Mangrove Vanguards trained, underscoring HYPREP’s commitment to inclusive participation and gender balance in environmental restoration initiatives. He further revealed that Phase 2 of the mangrove restoration programme will cover 28 restoration lots across the seven participating communities.
According to Dr Uche, the training is a core component of HYPREP’s broader empowerment and livelihood support strategy. He explained that participants would receive grants to enable them establish mangrove nurseries within their communities, which will serve as a steady source of seedlings for the ongoing large-scale restoration efforts.
“HYPREP is deliberately equipping community-based workers, known as Mangrove Vanguards, with the skills and resources required for large-scale mangrove nursing, planting and conservation in Ogoniland,” he said. “These vanguards are being trained to grow and supply the mangrove seedlings that will be needed for the extensive restoration activities under Phase 2.”
He added that engaging youths and women remains central to HYPREP’s sustainability plan, noting that the project would continue to monitor the utilisation of the grants to ensure transparency, accountability and long-term success.
Dr Uche further explained that the Phase 2 Mangrove Vanguards are a fresh set of beneficiaries who will not only establish and maintain mangrove nurseries but will also be empowered to train others within their communities. Through the sale of mangrove seedlings, he said, the participants would be able to generate income while contributing to environmental recovery.
Earlier in his presentation, the Lead Facilitator for the training, Prof. Franklin Tanen, said the programme was carefully designed to provide participants with both ecological knowledge and practical entrepreneurial skills. He explained that the trainees were taught how to identify mangrove species native to the area, understand their growth requirements, and set up viable nurseries that could serve both restoration and commercial purposes.
Prof. Tanen added that the training also exposed participants to the critical ecological functions of mangroves, including shoreline protection, carbon sequestration and habitat provision for aquatic species. He highlighted common threats to mangrove survival, such as illegal logging and pollution, while emphasizing effective conservation strategies.
“After this training, participants will be able to earn sustainable livelihoods through mangrove nursery development, while also serving as ambassadors of mangrove restoration in Ogoni and beyond,” Prof. Tanen said.
One of the participants, Mr Baridi Kobani from Goi community, described the training as resourceful and empowering, commending HYPREP for its commitment to capacity building at the grassroots.
“This programme has equipped us with the practical skills and technical knowledge required for mangrove planting, nursing and preservation,” he said. “With the grants we will receive, we can become self-reliant and positively impact our communities.” He also pledged to cascade the knowledge gained to other youths in his community.
Another participant, Ms Florence Nenibarini Farah from Kegbara Dere community, expressed appreciation for the strong inclusion of women in the programme, describing the training as impactful and timely. She commended HYPREP for what she described as a transparent and fair selection process.
Ms Farah expressed optimism that the restoration efforts would lead to the revival of lost mangrove vegetation and the return of aquatic species such as periwinkles, crabs, oysters, mudskippers and bloody cockles, which are vital to local livelihoods.
“With the replanting of mangroves and the sustained community sensitisation efforts by HYPREP, aquatic life will gradually return to our creeks,” she said. “People now understand why mangroves should not be cut for firewood or destroyed through illegal activities.”
She added that she would judiciously utilise the grant to establish her mangrove nursery and contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration and economic development in her community.
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