Mangrove Restoration in Nigeria

 

Project Overview:

 

The Mangrove Restoration and Conservation Project aims to rehabilitate and sustainably manage degraded mangrove ecosystems across vulnerable coastal zones. Implemented under Verra’s VM0033 methodology for Tidal Wetland and Seagrass Restoration, the project is designed to enhance blue carbon sequestration, strengthen climate resilience, and deliver verifiable benefits to local communities and biodiversity.

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By restoring hydrological balance and replanting native mangrove species such as Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa, the project will capture and store atmospheric carbon, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and improve ecosystem services. It also seeks CCB Gold-level certification, ensuring that project outcomes meet the highest standards of climate impact, community inclusion, and biodiversity conservation.

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Project Location:

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The project will be implemented across coastal and estuarine landscapes prone to degradation from deforestation, pollution, and hydrological disruption. These areas face growing risks from climate change, including coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, and extreme weather events—making ecosystem restoration essential for both environmental and social resilience.

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Objectives:

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1. Mangrove Restoration: Restore degraded wetlands through natural regeneration and assisted planting of native mangrove species, improving hydrological connectivity and sediment balance.

2. Carbon Sequestration: Increase carbon storage in biomass and sediment, creating measurable blue carbon sinks verified under VM0033.

3. Biodiversity Conservation: Reestablish critical habitats for fish, birds, and aquatic species while controlling invasive plants such as Nypa fruticans.

4. Community Empowerment: Strengthen local livelihoods through sustainable mangrove-based enterprises such as eco-friendly aquaculture, honey production, and nursery management.

5. Climate Resilience: Protect coastal communities from storm surges and flooding, integrating ecosystem-based adaptation into local development plans.

 

Methodology:

 

The project follows the VM0033: Tidal Wetland and Seagrass Restoration methodology, emphasizing measurable carbon removals and ecosystem restoration.

• Carbon Accounting: Quantify carbon stock changes using field measurements, remote sensing, and MRV systems aligned with Verra’s guidelines.

• CCB Integration: Incorporate Climate, Community, and Biodiversity standards to document social and ecological co-benefits.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Employ satellite imagery, drone surveys, and community-based monitoring to ensure transparency, traceability, and adaptive management.

 

Implementation Strategy:

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1. Community Engagement and FPIC: Ensure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and participatory planning with local communities.

2. Nursery and Restoration Activities: Establish mangrove nurseries, train local women and youth, and restore degraded areas through assisted planting.

3. Capacity Building: Conduct workshops on mangrove ecology, sustainable fisheries, and alternative livelihoods.

4. Partnerships: Collaborate with environmental agencies, NGOs, and local institutions for long-term stewardship and knowledge sharing.

 

Expected Outcomes:

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1. Verified Carbon Credits: Generate Verra-certified blue carbon credits through measurable GHG removals.

2. Biodiversity Recovery: Restore ecological integrity, enhance habitat connectivity, and improve ecosystem health.

3. Livelihood Diversification: Create sustainable income sources for coastal communities through restoration-linked enterprises.

4. Climate Adaptation: Enhance coastal resilience, reduce disaster risks, and contribute to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

 

Verification and Certification:

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All project activities will undergo third-party validation and verification under Verra’s VM0033 and CCB Standards to ensure accuracy, transparency, and credibility. The certification process will confirm carbon offsets, biodiversity conservation, and community development outcomes in alignment with international climate and sustainability frameworks.

 

Conclusion:

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The Mangrove Restoration and Conservation Project represents a scalable, science-based approach to blue carbon restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and community resilience. By aligning with VM0033 and CCB Gold-level standards, the initiative ensures measurable, verifiable impacts across climate, community, and ecological dimensions—advancing a nature-positive, climate-resilient future for coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

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