by Rosemary Ogbonna
Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said its Ogoni cleanup programme is delivering measurable climate action through mangrove restoration, carbon sequestration and community livelihood support as the world marks World Environment Day 2026.
A statement by HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarim Zabbey, on Thursday said this year’s theme, ‘Inspired by nature. For climate. For our future,’ aligns with its mandate to restore Ogoniland’s socio-ecological landscape and implement UNEP recommendations on hydrocarbon remediation.
Zabbey said HYPREP is scaling up mangrove restoration in what is described as the world’s largest oil-degraded mangrove area.
Restoration teams are planting millions of native mangroves while systematically clearing invasive nipa palms to allow native species and biodiversity to recover.
He said the effort is restoring fish breeding and nursery grounds, expanding mangrove canopies, and triggering the gradual return of fish, crabs, oysters and periwinkles.
The Project Coordinator added that restored mangroves are sequestering large quantities of carbon to help mitigate climate change, and the carbon assets are being positioned to secure carbon credits for long-term community funding.
Thousands of Ogoni youth and women have been engaged directly as mangrove planters, nursery operators and environmental shoreline monitors, the agency said. The monitors, known as ‘Mangrove Vanguards,’ protect restored zones from re-pollution and artisanal refining.
HYPREP boss said local surveillance teams and traditional rulers are co-managing newly restored shorelines and facilities to prevent vandalism, reflecting collective community ownership.
The Project Coordinator said HYPREP’s ongoing shoreline cleanup, remediation of polluted soil and groundwater, provision of potable water, livelihood support, health interventions and the Ogoni Power Project are direct responses to calls for environmental healing and sustainable development.
He added that HYPREP continues to invest in agricultural support and vocational training to build economic resilience, while environmental clubs in schools and grassroots sensitisation campaigns foster a culture of conservation.
Zabbey noted that the Ogoni wetlands have been designated a Ramsar Site of international importance by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands.
“As we observe World Environment Day 2026, we call on all stakeholders, community leaders, the people of the Niger Delta, and the international community to partner with HYPREP to restore and safeguard our shared environment,” said Zabbey.
The Project Coordinator reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to accelerate remediation actions with technical partners and local stakeholders to ensure high standards across impacted communities.