The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the Belgian government have renewed their dedication to cleaning up Ogoni and tackling environmental and social issues in the area.
Recently, Pieter Leenknegt, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, and Prof. Olof Linden, a mangrove expert, visited HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey. This visit focused on reviewing the progress of the Ogoni cleanup and identifying ways to provide further support.
Leenknegt, along with Dorien Laewnen, the First Secretary to the Belgian Ambassador, praised HYPREP’s work in restoring the environment and improving lives in the Niger Delta. Laewnen noted that this initiative is a modern approach to preserving biodiversity and empowering local communities to take care of their environment.
During the visit, Linden joined Mike Cowing from the Post-UNEP team to check on ongoing mangrove restoration efforts in Bomu, located in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The United Nations (UN) is also partnering with HYPREP. Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, emphasized the UN’s commitment to assist in critical areas like mangrove restoration, climate change efforts, food security, and public health. Fall acknowledged that HYPREP’s goals align with UN objectives and noted the progress made in restoring mangroves, enhancing livelihoods, and improving access to vital services.
Zabbey expressed his hope that these visits signal increasing domestic and international interest in the project. He mentioned that over 1.3 million mangroves have been planted, with shoreline restoration efforts reaching more than 38% so far. He welcomed partnerships that promote sustainable development and contribute to important Sustainable Development Goals.
During the visit, the delegation received updates on key achievements in various areas and reviewed HYPREP’s manuals on mangrove restoration and other project materials. Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) participated in the meeting.
HYPREP is committed to fostering biodiversity recovery and ensuring a brighter future for the Ogoni community as these partnerships and efforts continue to grow.
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Belgium,Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP),Ogoni clean-up
