Rivers, Serendib launch world’s largest blue carbon project with 30-year mangrove restoration MoU

Rivers State government, Serendib Capital, Eight Versa, and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta have signed a 30-year Memorandum of Understanding to launch a large-scale mangrove restoration and conservation project in the state.

The mangrove restoration project, which covers 240,000 hectares of sea, is expected to become the world’s largest blue carbon project, integrating mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation next to 170,000 hectares of mangrove, sustainable agriculture, tree planting, biochar production, and others.

Additionally, the project would be part of a larger mangrove marine ecosystem restoration program known as Delta AZURE, which would be the world’s largest blue carbon project.

Speaking after the signing of the MoU, in Port Harcourt, the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Maximus Nwafor, said the project would benefit the state and increase its revenue.

Nwafor stated, “We have signed an MoU with Serendib Capital, which will benefit our state and increase our revenue. I would like the Managing Director to further acquaint us with the project’s details.

“We have requested that they provide us with all requirements, including security and other aspects. Once we receive this information, we will ensure the project’s success.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Capital, Rafat Rizvi, after signing the MoU explained that the collaborative effort seeks to drive transformative environmental and socio-economic gains in Rivers State, serving as a model for future mangrove restoration projects globally.

Rizvi said the project’s launch marks a significant step towards preserving Nigeria’s vital mangrove ecosystems and promoting sustainable development in the oil and gas-rich region.

He further said the mangrove restoration project aims to prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation, adding that the effort is part of the larger Delta AZURE program, poised to become the world’s largest blue carbon project.

Rizvi further said, “Nigeria’s mangrove forests, spanning 10,500 kilometres, are the largest in Africa and third-largest globally. These vital ecosystems provide biodiversity support, flood prevention, coastal erosion protection, and carbon sequestration.

“They face severe degradation, with the Niger Delta region losing approximately 40 per cent of its mangrove forest between 1996 and 2016.”

He explained that the conservation project would generate carbon credits, providing an alternative income source for local communities and supporting their involvement.

Rizvi added, “The credits will also bring tangible benefits to the state and contribute to the global fight against climate change. The initiative underscores the importance of preserving Nigeria’s mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastline defence, pollution filtration, and carbon sequestration.

“By safeguarding these ecosystems, the project ensures the long-term health of the planet and the well-being of local communities.” In Rizvi’s estimations, the mangrove restoration project would prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through afforestation, reforestation revegetation and replantation.