Mangroves in Focus as FG Charts Course for Blue Economy Growth

News in brief:

—Nigeria plans to expand mangrove restoration and leverage blue economy opportunities following the completion of a coastal sustainability project.

—The initiative supported thousands of beneficiaries in Cross River through climate-smart agriculture, fisheries and environmental conservation.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting mangrove ecosystems and expanding opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy as part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stated this during the closing workshop of the UK PACT-UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) project focused on integrated mangrove ecosystem management in Nigeria.

Government Seeks to Build on Mangrove Conservation Gains

The workshop, themed Sustaining Integrated Mangrove Ecosystem Management in Nigeria: From Achievements to Future Pathways, marked the completion of a project aimed at protecting mangrove ecosystems and supporting communities that depend on fisheries and forests.

Lawal said the initiative provided important progress in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and improving livelihoods in coastal areas, particularly in Cross River State.

He emphasised the need to continue expanding restoration efforts, strengthen community involvement and promote climate-resilient economic activities.

Blue Economy Identified as Future Growth Opportunity

The minister said Nigeria must take advantage of emerging opportunities in the blue economy and carbon markets while maintaining sustainable environmental practices.

He added that the government would continue implementing commitments under national climate policies, international environmental agreements and sustainable development frameworks.

According to him, protecting coastal ecosystems remains critical to achieving long-term environmental and economic goals.

Cross River Highlights Impact on Coastal Communities

The Cross River State Government praised the project’s contribution to environmental protection and local economic development.

Represented by Deputy Governor Dr Peter Odey, Governor Bassey Otu said the initiative demonstrated that environmental sustainability and economic progress can be achieved together.

The state government noted that the programme supported mangrove restoration, improved community capacity, promoted alternative livelihoods and strengthened institutions sustaining coastal communities.

Thousands Benefit from Climate and Livelihood Programme

The UN FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, said the project showed the importance of collaboration between communities, governments and development partners.

He revealed that the initiative supported the registration of 50 cooperatives, helping strengthen local structures and align community development with national climate priorities.

The project, which began in 2023 and ended on June 16, reached 4,827 beneficiaries, with women making up 66 per cent of participants trained in climate-smart agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Project Creates Foundation for Future Environmental Action

Funded by the governments of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the programme was implemented by FAO in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Cross River State Government.

The initiative covered 50 coastal communities across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Odukpani Local Government Areas.

Stakeholders said the project provides a foundation for future interventions to conserve Nigeria’s coastal resources and improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable economic growth.