Hensard University, CSDevNET, PACJA Host Landmark Mangrove Restoration Training Workshop

Hensard University, the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNET), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have organised a ground-breaking capacity-building training workshop for community women and youth on mangrove restoration at Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.

The initiative seeks to equip local communities with the knowledge and skills required to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems, which are critical for coastal protection and carbon sequestration in the Niger Delta.

The training program began shortly after CSDevNET and Hensard University signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the day before.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient, just, and sustainable future for Nigeria, Africa, and the world, as well as joint efforts in research, student and community training, and advocacy.

Professor Dileep Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Hensard University, kicked off the day’s activities with an inspiring welcome speech that emphasised the university’s commitment to addressing environmental issues and closing the gap between academia and active community participation.

“Education is more than just acquiring information,” Prof. Kumar explained. “It is necessary to provide opportunities for people and nature to coexist in a sustainable manner.

“We are here to make a real difference by mobilising a movement and equipping women and youth with the skills needed to restore our mangroves and assume leadership roles.”

He also emphasised mangroves’ silent but vital role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.

Prof. Kumar encouraged participants to deepen their connection to the land, learn from the wisdom of the Toru-Orua elders, and cultivate the mangroves with care.

He announced a 0.5-hectare pilot mangrove restoration site as part of the workshop’s scope, with the goal of inspiring changemakers and incorporating the workshop’s teaching into university curricula.

Earlier, Prof. Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyin, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Hensard University, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The workshop featured insightful presentations by leading experts, such as Prof. Emmy Idegu, Dean of Hensard University’s Faculty of Arts, Social, and Management Studies, who delivered a compelling presentation on the roles of community women and youth in climate action, emphasising their importance in driving change and strengthening resilience.

Mr. Steve Abu, Programs Director at CSDevNET, gave an in-depth overview of climate impacts in Nigeria, emphasising both the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

He emphasised the importance of climate change adaptation as a priority in Africa.

Joseph Paul, a Program Officer at CSDevNET, investigated the specific effects of climate change on the Niger Delta region, emphasising the region’s unique vulnerabilities and the critical need for locally tailored solutions.

He spoke about the region’s unique challenges, emphasising the significance of mangrove restoration in mitigating the effects of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increased flooding.

The training program was designed to be interactive and practical, with a strong emphasis on teaching participants the hands-on skills needed for successful mangrove restoration.

Participants learnt about the ecological importance of mangroves, proper planting techniques, and strategies for monitoring and maintaining restored areas.

The planting of three mangrove seedlings on the Hensard University campus was a symbolic highlight of the program, demonstrating the partnership’s collaborative spirit and dedication to long-term environmental sustainability.

This act served as a visible reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard and restore these vital ecosystems for future generations.

This workshop is an important step towards empowering local communities in the Niger Delta to play an active role in climate action.

The program, which combines the resources and expertise of CSDevNET, PACJA, and Hensard University, is expected to have a long-term impact on mangrove restoration efforts while also contributing to the region’s resilience and sustainability.

The newly formed partnership promises more collaborative projects focused on research, community engagement, and advocacy, reaffirming their shared commitment to addressing the climate crisis and creating a better future for all.