By Rakiya A.Muhammad
In Nigeria, where lush mangrove forests once towered, there is a spectacle of devastation and decay typified by uncontrolled timber extraction, the unrelenting spread of human settlements, and intensive aquaculture practices.
The terrain is marred by the remnants of deforestation, with extensive areas of land stripped of flora and left vulnerable to erosion caused by the unyielding ocean currents. The view, overshadowed by stagnant water pockets filled with garbage and pollution, reflects the unpleasant colours of oil slicks and chemical runoff, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
The steady thud of axes split the air as the loggers persisted in their unrelenting attack on the last few mangroves stand.
However, amid a global predicament in which mangrove forests are vanishing at an alarming rate—three times quicker than their forest counterparts—a young woman’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the planet’s most delicate habitats propels her on a remarkable expedition.
Mangrove restoration is a cause close to Anna Obi Akpe’s heart. She is a 23-year-old biodiversity conservator from Cross Rivers State in South-South Nigeria.
The University of Calabar alumnus from the Department of Plant and Ecological Studies is an enthusiastic and committed volunteer at the Biodiversity Rescue Club (BRC). Additionally, she is a member of the current cohort at the We The People’s Rights (WTP) Academy, a learning institution that mentors upcoming human rights and ecological activists.
The Global Landscape Forum recently honoured Anna as one of the two 2024 Wetland Restoration Stewards committed to safeguarding and rejuvenating these ecological systems, which offer significant benefits.
“Wetlands are extraordinary ecosystems,” Dr. Du Dongyu, the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasises. “Wetlands include everything from mighty inlets, mangroves, and mudflats to floodplains, peat bogs, fishponds, and rice paddies.”
“They provide us with fresh water and food, supporting the livelihoods of over one billion people globally.”
The FAO DG adds that wetlands are reservoirs of biodiversity that improve water quality, store carbon, and protect against floods and droughts. “However, wetlands are declining fast due to human impact, made worse by climate change and increased biodiversity loss, intensifying the water crisis.”
Dr. Mosonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, also points out the interconnectedness of wetlands and human existence.
“Wetlands are central to our well-being. Whether it be through providing clean water, food, or protection from extreme weather events, a healthy wetland equals our well-being.”
The Secretary-General, however, laments that despite the numerous benefits of wetlands, humans damage wetlands daily.
“Wetlands are being destroyed by unsustainable agricultural practices, which are a primary cause of wetlands loss through drainage and infilling,” the Convention on Wetlands scribe observes.
“Many wetlands, particularly those near cities, have also been polluted by human activities and recently further degraded by plastic pollution, which exacerbates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss, and pollution ultimately affecting human health.”
Anna is concentrating on mangroves in the coastal area of Calabar South Local Government, specifically in the Esierebom community, where the Mangrove Restoration Project (MRP), which she represents in the Restoration Stewards program, is being implemented.
She laments the severe degradation and neglect that mangroves have endured, noting that a substantial portion of the Esierebom community mangrove has been devastated by aquaculture, timber extraction, the demand for firewood, and other human activities.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that despite comprising less than 1 per cent of the total area of tropical forests worldwide, mangroves play a crucial role in providing essential ecological goods and services to the approximately 2.4 billion individuals residing within a 100km radius of coastal areas, as reported by the United Nations Environment Programme,(UNEP).
“Mangrove provides protection against storms, erosion, and flooding, sources of food and timber, improved water quality and carbon sequestration,” UNEP points out,
“Mangrove forests also provide natural habitats for many commercially important fish and are beneficial to the health of adjacent ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows.”
Notwithstanding the destruction around her, Anna maintains a positive outlook. With a fire of resolve blazing brightly in her eyes, she knows there is yet a chance to turn the tide and restore these devastated wetlands to the splendour they once held. Anna makes a solemn promise as she takes in the spectacle before her that she will do everything it takes to conserve and preserve the priceless mangrove ecosystems vanishing in front of her eyes.
Anna’s original aspiration to pursue a career in medical laboratory science contrasted with her final path into biodiversity and conservation, contributes a captivating dimension to her character and provides an intriguing element to the broader story.
Initially, Anna’s goals are motivated by her desire to use medical research to directly and palpably improve people’s lives. Her pragmatic approach, motivated by a desire to address urgent societal issues, is evident in her decision to undertake medical laboratory studies.
Upon Anna’s unforeseen admission to the field of plant and ecology, she immediately perceives it as a deviation from her planned initial trajectory. She experiences a feeling of hesitancy and ambiguity, pondering how she may significantly influence an area that appears unrelated to her initial ambitions.
The mangrove restorer reveals how her passion swelled in a field she had never dreamt of.
“It wasn’t until I met someone who told me about the non-governmental organisation (NGO) to which I volunteer with the biodiversity club that I realised how much I had been missing out. It was like an eye-opener for me,” she recalls.
“The majority of our time at school is dedicated to theoretical study. Upon joining the club, I gained firsthand experience of the practical component. Subsequently, I engaged in their endeavours on mangrove restoration and educational outreach within secondary schools to impart knowledge to the younger generation.”
Anna finds herself undergoing a shift due to her interactions with mangrove ecosystems and the individuals who are committed to preserving these ecosystems. She sees the profound significance of safeguarding the natural environment for the well-being of all occupants of the Earth, including human beings and non-human beings.
She learns to embrace her newly discovered enthusiasm for biodiversity and conservation, driving her to act after witnessing the devastation caused by deforestation, pollution, and climate change on mangrove habitats.
“As a student-led organisation, we have been carrying out rehabilitation projects in the Esierebom village here in Calabar, even though we lack the necessary funding,” Anna discloses.
“We met the village chief, who had started the initiative, and we joined him in it. Together, we planted a few mangroves at the restoration site. “
Fortunately, the Global Landscape Restoration opportunity presented itself, and Anna applied for it, ultimately emerging victorious.
An ecstatic Anna asserts: “It’s the first in Nigeria; we are grateful for the opportunity and the outcome.”
Kelly Quintero-Christancho, Communications/Media Collaborations, Global Landscapes Forum (GLP), is delighted that young people worldwide are leading the charge for a more equitable and sustainable world through activism, engagement, and community-led solutions for ecosystems and livelihoods.
The communications specialist explains that international organisations- the Youth in Landscapes Initiative and GLP, selected Anna from over 300 candidates as one of the 2024 Restoration Stewards to receive funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Anna will be one of two 2024 Wetland Restoration Stewards, according to Quintero-Christancho, who is optimistic that her project will improve water quality, carbon capture, local livelihoods, and biodiversity.
“To deepen the impact of her project on mitigating climate change from biodiversity hotspots, she will be offered scientific and peer guidance, training, a grant of 5,000 EUR and other resources,” says the GLP spokesperson.
“Nigerian Anna Obi Akpe, a passionate and dedicated biodiversity conservator, will represent the Biodiversity Rescue Club (BRC) ‘s Mangrove Restoration Project (MRP), which aims to revive and reconstruct the natural structure and functioning of mangrove forests in
the community of Esierebom in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. “
Quintero-Christancho discloses, along with Anna, six other young ecosystem restoration experts from Bolivia, Brazil, India, Kenya, the Philippines, and Rwanda were selected for the one-year Restoration Stewards Program to restore drylands, forests, mountains, wetlands, and oceans in 2024.
Anna characterises mangrove restoration as a critical conservation approach that aims to rejuvenate and rehabilitate degraded or devastated ecosystems.
She notes a disproportionate focus on the forest ecosystem against the mangroves. “Even in Calabar, the majority of energy is directed towards the forest, while the mangrove ecosystem, which absorbs approximately four times more carbon, receives little attention.”
Giving a clearer picture of what she’s up against, the Steward says the Mangrove Restoration Project aims to reinstate the natural structure and function of mangroves while protecting and improving biodiversity.
The project will engage relevant stakeholders, promote sustainable management practices, raise knowledge about the significance of these ecosystems, replant degraded areas, and develop sustainable livelihood alternatives that lessen reliance on mangrove resources.
By working with the community and her team, Anna will improve coastal resilience, biodiversity, marine organism habitat, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, and socioeconomic situations in the area.
Anna believes that by committing to restoring rapidly diminishing biodiversity and working for the planet’s sustainability, inhabitants can help make it a better and more sustainable place.
