In Nigeria, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Niger Delta, the threat to ecosystems is substantial and alarming. The region faces significant challenges from environmental degradation due to oil exploitation, deforestation, and land mismanagement which is significantly affecting the livelihoods and survival of local communities. As climate change intensifies, it reinforces ecological challenges communities undergo, posing a further threat to the already vulnerable ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

In commemoration of the World Environment Day and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), We the People on the 5 th of June 2024, organized a webinar focused on efforts towards ecosystem revival, particularly in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, highlighting the need for concerted land restoration and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

The Webinar showcased organizations and communities in the Niger Delta already working towards restoring ecosystems lost to hydrocarbon pollution and other man-made factors. Discussions ranged from community-led efforts to replant mangroves and restore depleted forest stock, to initiatives to remove petroleum pollution from rivers, lands and swamps.

The webinar sparked dialogue and provided opportunity to explore strategies for effective ecosystem restoration practices and innovative community resilience approaches within Nigeria and the Niger Delta.

Environmental rights campaigner, Celestine AkpoBari led a talk on the topic, Ecosystem Challenges in Nigeria and the Niger Delta: An Overview of the current environmental issues exacerbated by climate change.

Mangrove conservation expert, Clement Oko of the Biodiversity Rescue Hub delivered a lecture on Community-led Land Restoration Ecosystem Restoration, citing examples from their restoration initiatives in the Cross River State mangrove forests.