The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has once again declared its commitment to the restoration of Ogoniland's environment, which has been significantly affected by oil pollution.
In a recent statement, the Project Coordinator for HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, affirmed that the federal agency is dedicated to revitalizing the Ogoni landscape through comprehensive remediation and restoration of lands, shorelines, and mangrove ecosystems degraded by oil activities.
Professor Zabbey also appealed for a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the Ogoniland cleanup project. He mentioned that efforts are underway to introduce a holistic and enduring management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetland.
He further revealed that the Ogoniland mangrove wetland has recently been officially recognized as a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat. This global acknowledgment highlights the critical ecological value of the region's mangrove habitats and validates HYPREP's intensive work to restore oil-damaged mangroves in Ogoniland.
According to Professor Zabbey, these mangrove wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, protecting the environment, and supporting sustainable local economies.
"This designation is a moment of pride for HYPREP, the Ogoni people, and everyone involved in safeguarding and restoring the Ogoni environment," he stated.
He elaborated that the mangrove wetlands, which span over 31,700 hectares, comprise islands, tidal creeks, mudflats, and mangrove forests, supporting a rich array of biodiversity including various fish species, shellfish, crustaceans, crocodiles, turtles, and the vulnerable grey parrot.
"These wetlands offer essential ecosystem services such as fisheries, flood control, water purification, and carbon sequestration. The designation is expected to further enhance local livelihoods and cultural practices, promote ecotourism, and bring international attention to the region.
"Importantly, this recognition marks the culmination of a thorough process that began in 2024 when HYPREP presented a proposal to the National Council on Environment advocating for the Ogoni wetlands to be designated as a Ramsar site.
"Following the Council's review and endorsement, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP's Governing Council, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally communicated with the Ramsar Convention Secretariat to seek international recognition for the Ogoniland wetlands.
"After a detailed evaluation of the area's ecological significance, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat has now granted this important designation."
Zabbey expressed optimism that classifying the Ogoniland wetland as one of global ecological importance will significantly boost HYPREP's ongoing environmental restoration initiatives in the area.
He added that the recognition also encourages stronger conservation strategies and sustainable management practices for the wetlands, ensuring their benefit for present and future generations.
The project coordinator pointed out that this designation aligns with a key recommendation made in the UNEP Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland.
"Consequently, this recognition represents another substantial achievement in the implementation of the UNEP recommendations for Ogoniland and further underscores the Federal Government's actions and unwavering commitment, through HYPREP, to the long-term environmental recovery and protection of Ogoniland," Zabbey concluded.
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