U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) have pledged to support efforts at protecting and restoring mangroves in Nigeria
They made the pledge in Abuja while facilitating dialogues between policymakers, regulators, researchers, organizations, mangrove experts, and international partners on Nigeria’s mangroves.
The forum provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and identification of solutions to protect and restore Nigeria’s mangroves.
USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Melissa Jones expressed concern about people who live in and interact with mangrove forests and the challenges they face and emphasized the need to empower them with the knowledge and tools to manage resources sustainably.
” Let us empower them , ensuring conservation efforts are not only effective, but equitable and inclusive.”
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment Iziaq Salako
in his keynote address emphasized government’s focus on mangrove conservation and restoration, while also noting the pivotal role mangroves play in climate mitigation and livelihood improvement.
For her part Country Director, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) , Florence Kayemba Ibok Abasi announced the creation of the Friends of Nigeria’s Mangroves Coordination Group to address the issues. “We will promote actions that conserve mangroves and support dependent livelihoods.”
Nigeria hosts Africa’s largest mangrove forest, primarily in the Niger Delta region. These ecosystems support biodiversity and act as carbon sinks, storing an estimated 1,100 metric tons of carbon emissions.
The World Bank values the economic benefit of Nigeria’s mangroves at US $4,700 per hectare per year.
Despite their importance, Nigerian mangroves face loss and degradation. Only 6 percent are under protected status. This loss affects local economies, food security, flood defense, and coastal erosion prevention.
