Over 170 mangrove trees have been planted in the Eseribom community, Calabar South Local government area of Cross River State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and restore coastal ecosystems.

The exercise, which took place at the weekend, was organised and funded by UNICEF through the Green Rising Initiative.

The event brought together over 100 young volunteers from secondary schools, the University of Calabar, and other volunteers in partnership with Biodiversity Rescue Club Nigeria, GenUnlimited, YPAT, and other local organizations.
Executive Director of Plug in Nigeria, Maya Okunyi, said the mangrove planting was part of a three-day programme aimed at raising awareness and promoting youth involvement in environmental protection.

“This community is vulnerable to flooding and erosion, and mangroves act as a natural barrier. They also help to absorb carbon and support marine life,” Okunyi said.

“We originally planned to plant 100 mangroves, but ended up planting over 170, which shows how eager young people are to take climate action.”

Executive Director of Biodiversity Rescue Club Nigeria, Clement Okobane, said the mangroves also support the local economy, especially fishing, and help prevent sea-level rise impacts.

He added that beyond tree planting, the project featured climate education sessions, stakeholder engagement, and plans for a one-year monitoring system to ensure the survival of the seedlings.

Okunyi explained that the community leadership, described as highly receptive, is working on new bylaws to protect the restored areas from illegal logging.

“We have been working with the community leaders to create awareness and introduce bylaws to protect the newly planted mangroves,” he said.

“This level of youth engagement proves that with the right support, young people are not just the future of climate action, they are the present.”