The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify community campaigns against illegal artisanal refining, unsustainable fishing and activities threatening environmental restoration in Ogoniland.

Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Nenibarini Zabbey, made the call during an interview on Wednesday after receiving a coalition of CSOs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The coalition visited the state to assess cleanup project sites and evaluate progress made in implementing the Ogoni environmental restoration programme.

Mr Zabbey said sustaining the achievements of the cleanup required more than remediation, emphasising that communities must collectively protect restored ecosystems against renewed pollution and environmentally harmful activities.

He identified sensitisation on sustainable fishing, responsible mangrove harvesting and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining as critical areas where CSOs could support environmental protection efforts.

According to him, the return of aquatic organisms, including different crab species, to restored water bodies indicates ecological recovery, but their survival depends on responsible environmental practices.

He urged stronger collaboration in promoting ecotourism, carbon stock assessment, climate finance and alternative livelihoods, particularly following the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as an internationally important Ramsar Site.

The coordinator said the designation placed a collective responsibility on stakeholders to preserve the wetlands’ ecological character while exploring sustainable economic opportunities to reduce pressure on natural resources.

He expressed optimism that collaboration with CSOs would strengthen community engagement, expand environmental advocacy and prevent activities capable of reversing the gains recorded through restoration efforts.

Mr Zabbey subsequently presented a project status briefing, highlighting achievements and ongoing interventions across HYPREP’s thematic areas and outlining progress recorded in the cleanup programme.

The CORDAID Strategic Partnership comprises CSOs advocating environmental protection, good governance and institutional development, with a longstanding commitment to the full implementation of the Ogoni cleanup programme.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition , Consultant to CORDAID, Tolese Olatinwo, described the visit as encouraging, recalling the partnership’s five-year advocacy for environmental restoration and alternative livelihoods.

He said the partnership consistently advocated community participation in the cleanup programme and the release of funds for HYPREP, expressing satisfaction with visible project interventions.

Mr Olatinwo said the delegation was pleased with the progress observed at project sites, adding that the coalition would review its previous advocacy scorecard and establish fresh objectives.

Similarly,Executive Director of Kabetkache Centre for Women Development and member of the Strategic Partnership, Emem Okon, commended women’s inclusion and livelihood interventions under the project.

Ms Okon recalled that her organisation had conducted a livelihood needs assessment for women and advocated greater female participation in the Ogoni cleanup process and related interventions.

She said the coalition would develop a new pathway of change, focusing on community sensitisation, environmental advocacy and campaigns against illegal artisanal refining across affected communities.

The coalition, comprising CSOs from different parts of Nigeria, also commended HYPREP for progress in mangrove restoration, shoreline cleanup, potable water provision and public health interventions.

The groups applauded increased women’s participation in project activities, describing the interventions as important steps towards improving environmental conditions and supporting affected communities across Ogoniland.

The delegation assessed the K-Dere Water Facility, Ogoni Specialist Hospital and mangrove restoration site in Bomu, where members also participated in symbolic mangrove planting activities.

(NAN)