More than 170 mangrove trees have been planted in Eseribom community, located in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, as part of an initiative to address climate change and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems.
The tree-planting exercise, held over the weekend, was spearheaded and sponsored by UNICEF through the Green Rising Initiative.
The event brought together over 100 enthusiastic young volunteers, including secondary school students, undergraduates from the University of Calabar, and members of various community groups. It was organized in collaboration with Biodiversity Rescue Club Nigeria, GenUnlimited, YPAT, and other grassroots organizations.
Maya Okunyi, Executive Director of Plug in Nigeria, described the mangrove planting as a key activity in a three-day program focused on raising environmental awareness and encouraging youth participation in climate action.
“This area is prone to flooding and erosion, and mangroves serve as a natural defense. They also absorb carbon dioxide and provide essential habitat for marine species,” Okunyi explained.
She noted that although the initial target was to plant 100 mangrove trees, the volunteers surpassed expectations, reaching over 170—a testament to the growing commitment of young people toward environmental conservation.
Clement Okobane, Executive Director of Biodiversity Rescue Club Nigeria, highlighted that mangroves not only protect the shoreline but also support local livelihoods, particularly fishing, and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
He further shared that the project included climate education workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and the introduction of a year-long monitoring plan to ensure the healthy growth of the newly planted mangroves.
Okunyi also commended the community’s leadership for their cooperation, revealing that they are in the process of implementing new bylaws to safeguard the restored mangrove areas from illegal logging.
“We initially set out to plant 100 mangrove trees, but exceeded that goal by planting over 170, reflecting the strong enthusiasm of young people to engage in climate action,” said Maya Okunyi.
Clement Okobane, Executive Director of Biodiversity Rescue Club Nigeria, emphasized that mangroves play a critical role in supporting the local economy—particularly the fishing industry—and help reduce the effects of rising sea levels.
He also noted that the initiative went beyond tree planting, incorporating climate education sessions, stakeholder involvement, and a one-year monitoring plan to ensure the seedlings thrive.
Okunyi highlighted the strong collaboration with local leadership, stating that community heads—who have been very supportive—are working to enforce new regulations to safeguard the mangrove restoration area from illegal activities.
“We’ve partnered with community leaders to raise awareness and introduce protective bylaws for the newly planted mangroves,” she explained.
“This level of youth participation demonstrates that, with adequate support, young people are not only the future of climate leadership but are actively shaping it today,” he noted.
