Prof. Olusuyi Fabiyi, Forestry and Wood Technology Department at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), says the Okonla Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Project (MERP) would help to mitigate climate change.
Fabiyi, Coordinator of the Centre for Human Settlements and Sustainable Development (CHUSSDEV), made this known on Tuesday during the implementation of the MERP in Okonla, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to him, the 10,000 metric tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually removed by the project is equivalent to emissions from 150,000 cars.
He explained that the project seeks to restore the mangrove ecosystem and introduce sustainable livelihoods to the people of the community, enhancing their productivity and preserving the environment.
Fabiyi said that the centre secured a grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project.
According to him, the project includes commemorating tree planting and alternative livelihood training for youth, women, and residents of Okonla community.
“The project is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, including the removal of 10,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
“The first phase of the project, which took place in Okonla community, will be extended to other areas covered by the project. The community donated 50 hectares of land.
“However, mangroves in the community have been severely degraded due to human activities, including the use of mangroves for firewood and other domestic and economic purposes.
“The project is being implemented through community participation, with residents trained in growing mangroves from nursery to planting and care.
“Also women, youth, and residents of the community were also trained in modern aquaculture to improve fish farming businesses.
“They were empowered with floating cages, fingerlings, and fish feed to support them and improve their livelihoods,” Fabiyi said.
In her remarks, Dr Adetoun Olaitan, representing the National Coordinator of the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF SGP), expressed the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities to address environmental challenges.
According to olaitan, communities are best positioned to take actions that make their environment habitable and solve local challenges.
Olaitan explained that UNDP was equipped to support community-driven initiatives through training and seminars, promoting sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level.
She highlighted the Global Environment Facility’s goal of fostering local actions which yielded global environmental benefits.
Also, Prof. O.V. Oyerinde, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, FUTA, highlighted the empowerment of women-led “green gold” initiative,
Oyerinde said the initiative was to train and support women to develop non-timber forest products.
According to her, such products include snails, vegetables, and eco-friendly leaves for food wrapping that replace single-use plastics and generate income at household level.
“The initiative is being rolled out alongside modern aquaculture training that equips residents with floating cages, fingerlings, and feed to improve fish production and food security.
“Women were targeted for empowerment because they play a crucial role in caring for their families and managing households. Introducing them to ‘green gold’ enables them to contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
“By prioritising women in the ‘green gold’ programme we strengthen household resilience and encourage eco-friendly alternatives thereby helping both livelihoods and the local environment.” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Okonla community, the traditional leader, Oba Okun Akinbulejo, expressed gratitude and commitment.
“We thank UNDP and CHUSSDEV for choosing Okonla. Our people will protect these mangrove areas so future generations can reap their benefits.” he said.
PROMPTNEWS reports that mangroves provide crucial coastal protection, store significant carbon, and support fisheries and biodiversity.