Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, urges protection for Niger Delta mangroves from foreign exploitation under carbon credit offsets. He emphasizes the vital role of mangroves in climate mitigation during an art exhibition by Dr. John DeBebs. The event highlights the need for community involvement in safeguarding this critical natural resource.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwase III, has advocated for the safeguarding of mangroves in the Niger Delta against foreign interests that may exploit them under the guise of carbon credit offsets. He made this statement during an art exhibition in Lagos featuring the works of environmentalist Dr. John DeBebs, emphasizing the critical role these mangroves play in environmental preservation and climate change mitigation.
The exhibition, organized by Crimson Fusion Curators, runs from March 5 to March 13 under the theme “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangrove and Art.” The Olu highlighted the importance of indigenous communities in defending their land, stating that mangroves are vital ecosystems, acting as both lungs and protectors of their heritage.
He expressed concern about external forces viewing mangroves from an economic perspective rather than valuing their environmental significance. He reiterated that mangroves are crucial in carbon absorption, and the Itsekiri people, alongside the broader Niger Delta community, would resist exploitation by those who do not appreciate their intrinsic value.
Oriiz Onuwaje, the curator of the exhibition, mentioned the need to celebrate the natural beauty of the Niger Delta and its mangroves while simultaneously addressing the threats posed by climate change. He argued that the mangroves of the Niger Delta are of global importance, even surpassing the Amazon rainforest in value. He highlighted the unique engineering of mangroves, which adapt their root structures to stabilize coastal ecosystems.
Dr. DeBebs articulated that his artwork draws inspiration from the essential role mangroves serve in creating a cleaner atmosphere by sequestering carbon. He hopes his exhibition will raise awareness regarding the mangroves’ ecological significance, thus mobilizing more community engagement in their preservation.
In summary, the call from the Olu of Warri to protect the Niger Delta mangroves arises from an urgent need to safeguard these vital ecosystems from external exploitation. The art exhibition serves as a platform for raising awareness about the ecological importance of mangroves, while community leaders emphasize the need for indigenous populations to retain sovereignty over their land and heritage. The aspiration is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the role that mangroves play in addressing climate change.
Original Source: nannews.ng
