To combat the falling forests and the rise of climate change, AAPW has launched an extensive tree planting campaign across five states in the Niger Delta: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers. The initiative, which is part of the “Coping with Climate Change as a Cause of Conflict in Coastal Communities of West Africa” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW) in partnership with Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), began in February and aims to mitigate deforestation, improve air quality, and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
The Niger Delta region has long been a victim to the rapacious oil industry marked with overgrown deforestation, oil spills, and industrial activities. The repercussions have been catastrophic, as soil, biodiversity, and even the air and water have been left in deteriorated states. Regardless of the challenges, AAPW has taken the initiative to reclaim background vegetation and commence the restoration of the region’s ecosystem.
Research from various environment specialists have shown that trees not only help to mitigate climate change but also help to enhance the carbon sinks of the earth, aid in the prevention of erosion, and provide shelters for endangered species.
To ensure the project’s success and active community participation, AAPW has enlisted the support of local volunteers to plant and tend the trees. Training programs have been implemented to teach individuals about afforestation techniques and sustainable land management practices.
With deforestation constituting a huge threat to both people and wildlife in the Niger Delta, AAPW’s mission is more than just a conservation endeavor; it is a lifeline for a failing environment. As trees take root and forests regenerate, the region gets one step closer to environmental regeneration.
Note to the Editor:
AAPW Media contact: Success Nwanedo: Senior Communications Officer, AAPW
success.nwanedo@aapw.org
