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Okonla Mangrove Restoration Project to Sequester 10,000 Metric Tonnes of CO₂ Annually
… Project Equivalent to Emissions from 150,000 Cars, Says Don
The Okonla Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Project is expected to sequester 10,000 Metric Tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to emissions from 150,000 cars helping to mitigate climate change, according to Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi, Coordinator of the Centre for Human Settlements and Sustainable Development (CHUSSDEV) and Professor of Forestry and Wood Technology at FUTA.
Prof. Fabiyi explained that the project seeks to restore the Mangrove Ecosystem and introduce sustainable livelihoods to the people of the community, enhancing their productivity and preserving the environment. The centre secured a grant from the UNDP programme to implement the Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration project (MERA) in Okonla, Ilaje Local Government areas of Ondo State.
The project includes commemorating tree planting and alternative livelihood training for youth, women, and residents of Okonla community. According to Prof. Fabiyi, the project is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, including the removal of 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The first phase of the project is taking place in Okonla community and will be extended to other areas covered by the project. Okonla community has donated 50 hectares of land for the Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Project. However, mangroves in the community have been severely degraded due to human activities, including the use of mangroves for firewood and other domestic and economic purposes.
The project is being implemented through community participation, with residents trained in growing mangroves from nursery to planting and care. Prof. Fabiyi emphasized that women, youth, and residents of the community were also trained in modern aquaculture to improve fish farming businesses. They were empowered with floating cages, fingerlings, and fish feed to support them and improve their livelihoods.
In her remarks, Dr (Mrs) Adetoun Mustapha Olaitan representing the National Coordinator of the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF SGP), emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering communities to address environmental challenges. ‘Communities are best positioned to take actions that make their environment habitable and solve local challenges,’ she noted.
Dr. Adetoun Mustapha Olaitan explained that UNDP is equipped to support community-driven initiatives through training and seminars, promoting sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level. She highlighted the Global Environment Facility’s goal of fostering local actions that yield global environmental benefits.
Prof. (Mrs.) O.V. Oyerinde of the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, FUTA, highlighted the empowerment of women-led “green gold” initiative, which trains and supports women to develop non-timber forest products such as snails, vegetables, and eco-friendly leaves for food wrapping that replace single-use plastics and generate income at household level. This initiative is being rolled out alongside modern aquaculture training that equips residents with floating cages, fingerlings, and feed to improve fish production and food security.
Prof. Oyerinde explained that women were targeted for empowerment because they play a crucial role in caring for their families and managing households. Introducing them to ‘green gold’ enables them to contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
“By prioritising women in the ‘green gold’ programme we strengthen household resilience and encourage eco-friendly alternatives thereby helping both livelihoods and the local environment.” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Okonla community, the traditional leader, His Royal Highness Oba Okun Ajaluwa Akinbulejo, expressed gratitude and commitment: “We thank UNDP and CHUSSDEV for choosing Okonla. Our people would protect these mangrove areas so future generations can reap their benefits.”
Mangroves provide crucial coastal protection, store significant carbon, and support fisheries and biodiversity. In Okonla, many mangrove stands had been heavily degraded by human activities, including harvesting for fuelwood and domestic uses. The project combines ecological restoration with capacity building so that restoration is community-owned and economically sustainable.
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