Hensard University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dileep Kumar, has advocated the restoration of mangrove ecosystems as a solution to climate change and environmental degradation in Nigeria.
He made the call recently during a capacity-building workshop themed “Training Community Women and Youths on Mangrove Restoration,” held at the university’s campus in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.
The event organised in collaboration with the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), highlighted the ecological and social significance of mangroves, noting their vital role in building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Prof. Kumar was represented by Prof. Femi Shaka, Dean, Communication and Media Studies of the institution.
“This workshop aims to open new opportunities for participants. Education should not only provide knowledge but also inspire action that fosters a balance between people and nature,” he said. “Our goal is to equip women and youths with practical skills in mangrove restoration and leadership, knowing that like the ecosystems we protect, they too possess resilience.”
He added that genuine environmental stewardship is built on “silent, consistent acts of care,” and stressed that mangroves, though often overlooked, are indispensable in the fight against climate change.
Kumar further stated: “This capacity building workshop on mangroves restoration hopes that through this workshop, we open new doors of opportunities to our participants.
“Fellow participants, I say to you today that education is more than just the acquisition of information.
“Missing are opportunities to construct social circumstances in which people and nature coexist in a sustainable manner.
In his remarks, a Board member, CSDevNet, Prof. Aduabobo Ibitoru-Hart, represented by Mr Patrick Amaibi, State Coordinator ClSDevNet, said mangroves are the backbone of the coastal resilience, shielding humans from erosion, nurturing biodiversity, and combating climate change.
Ibitoru-Hart said, “Yet, they face relentless threats from deforestation and unsustainable practices. A collaboration between Hensard University, CSDevNet, and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, is a bold step toward reversing this loss.
“Our goal is clear: To train 100 participants — 30 women and 70 students in mangrove restoration techniques, fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.
“By focusing on women, we champion gender equity, recognizing their critical role in conservation and community resilience.
“Through hands-on planting at a degraded site and interactive sessions, we aim to spark leadership and build a lasting partnership between Toru-Orua Community, Hensard University, and CSDevNet.
“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.
“Together, we will restore a pilot mangrove site, develop a community action plan, and lay the foundation for ongoing restoration efforts.”
He urged the participants to embrace the opportunity, not just to learn, but to lead in ensuring that mangroves thrive for generations to come.
Also speaking, Mr Stephen Abu, National Coordinator CSDevNet, said that Nigeria is still faced with the issue of climate change, which must be addressed.
He said that planting trees is still another good way to tackle climate action on the part of human beings.
He said behavioral change could also rescue the impact of climate change, by doing things that will help restore the immediate environment.
On her part, one of the beneficiaries, Miss Mary Domotimi, a student of Hensard University, Toru-Orua, commended the organisers for the workshop training, saying it had enlightened her more on mangrove restoration.
Highlight of the event was the planting of trees on the campus by the students, lecturers of the institution and the organisers of the workshop.
