Unlocking the Power of Mangroves: Don Champions Restoration Efforts to Combat Climate Change – News Agency of Nigeria

Professor Dileep Kumar, the Vice-Chancellor of Hensard University in Bayelsa, is pushing for the restoration of mangroves as a key strategy to tackle climate issues in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent workshop aimed at empowering local women and youth, Kumar emphasized the vital role of education for meaningful environmental change.

The workshop, hosted by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, brought together community members and students to discuss practical skills in mangrove restoration. Kumar, represented by Professor Femi Shaka, highlighted the workshop’s goals to equip 100 participants—30 women and 70 students—with essential techniques for environmental stewardship.

“Mangroves are essential for coastal protection and biodiversity,” stressed Professor Aduabobo Ibitoru-Hart from CSDevNet. He pointed out that these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, including deforestation. The collective effort between academia and local organizations aims to reverse this trend while promoting gender equity in conservation.

Recent statistics underscore the urgency of restoration efforts; the Global Mangrove Alliance reported that mangrove loss continues at alarming rates, impacting coastal communities and wildlife. Efforts like this workshop align with Nigeria’s climate goals, particularly in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action and gender equality.

Stephen Abu, the National Coordinator of CSDevNet, added that individuals can also contribute to climate solutions through simple acts, like tree planting and altering their daily habits. These small changes can have a significant impact on restoring the environment.

Participants at the workshop, like university student Mary Domotimi, expressed their gratitude for the initiative, highlighting how essential these skills are for their communities. As a concluding activity, attendees joined in planting trees on campus, marking a hopeful step towards restoration and resilience.

The conversation around mangrove restoration is gaining traction on social media, with many young activists sharing their experiences and calling for stronger action against climate threats. This increased awareness can lead to greater community involvement in local conservation efforts.

For more insights on climate action and mangrove restoration, check out this [report from the Global Mangrove Alliance](https://www.mangrovealliance.org), which discusses the importance of these ecosystems in fighting climate change.

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