The Project Coordination Office of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) said it is using mangroves as a measure to mitigate climate change in the Niger Delta, saying it has begun a massive campaign on planting, restoration and conservation of the mangroves.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, while addressing newsmen after a stakeholders’ meeting with community members at Bomu Community, in Gokana Council of the state, yesterday, said the environmental and economic value couldn’t be over-emphasised.

According to him, Mangroves are very important, because they act as sinks of carbon, saying they conserve carbon five times more than tropical rainforests.

He regretted the effect oil exploration, over-harvesting and cutting down of the mangroves haven had on the environment, saying these activities are the reason for coastal erosion, shortage of aquatic life and several others.

He noted that as a way of reducing the impact and effect of climate change on this part of the world, the project is focusing on mangrove restoration and conservation to not only mitigate climate change but also to create a value chain for community members to explore the numerous usefulness of mangroves.

“In terms of the environment, it is a huge carbon sink. Mangroves help in protecting the shorelines against coastal erosion. That will tell you the contributions mangroves have made to our daily lives without us appreciating it. Mangroves are very important because they act as sinks of carbon. They conserve carbon five times more than tropical rain forests, “ he said.