By: Felix Ikpotor
Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP),Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, received the RAMSAR Certificate from the Convention on Wetlands, following the designation of Ogoni Wetlands as one of International Importance.
Christopher Aiwuyo, Director 2, Forestry, alongside Labaran Ahmed, Assistant Director, Forestry, in the Federal Ministry of Environment, and RAMSAR Nigerian Focal Person, presented the certificate to Prof Zabbey at the Project Coordination Office in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Speaking on the certificate presentation, Prof Zabbey said the designation of Ogoni as a RAMSAR site of international importance is a call to greater responsibility, one that will further strengthen the Project’s efforts to biodiversity recovery and environmental sustainability in Ogoni.
The PC expressed optimism that the Ogoni RAMSAR Site will be more pronounced, given HYPREP’s sustained efforts to conserve the wetlands through its mangrove restoration and shoreline remediation projects. He added that the Project has set up a RAMSAR Desk to monitor biodiversity recovery and the associated gains from mangrove restoration and shoreline cleanup in Ogoni.
Prof Zabbey further disclosed that the Project is partnering with the World Maritime University to determine the biodiversity of Ogoni wetlands using eDNA (genetic material left by organisms in the environment).
He noted that the Ogoni wetlands will be well researched and published. Moreover, adopting a multi-stakeholder approach to managing the wetlands, the PC stated that HYPREP will work closely with communities and civil society organisations (CSOs) to put in place a sustainable management framework to preserve the Ogoni ecosystem.
The PC said: ”We are keen on ensuring that the benefits of the designation of Ogoni as a RAMSAR Site of International Importance and the restoration efforts will be felt by communities”
He explained that HYPREP is partnering with the GEF Project on carbon sequestration for carbon credits, which will contribute to preserving the ecosystem, improving the local economy, and providing community benefits. The partnership, he stressed, is aimed at mobilising funds for environmental sustainability in Ogoni and Nigeria.
On March 6th, 2026, the Convention on Wetlands designated Ogoni Wetlands as a RAMSAR Site of International Importance. The global recognition highlights the ecological value of Ogoniland’s mangrove wetlands and affirms the importance of HYPREP’s ongoing, extensive restoration of oil-degraded mangroves in Ogoni. The mangrove wetlands are vital for maintaining biodiversity, safeguarding the environment, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
