Olu of Warri Advocates for the Protection of Niger Delta Mangroves

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, has called for the protection of Niger Delta mangroves from foreign exploitation disguised as carbon credit off-sets during an exhibition in Lagos. The exhibition, featuring Dr. John DeBebs’s art, emphasizes the ecological significance of mangroves and the urgency for local communities to safeguard their heritage. Curator Oriiz Onuwaje echoes these sentiments, while DeBebs hopes to raise awareness for their conservation.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, has urgently called for the protection of Niger Delta mangroves from foreign exploitation disguised as carbon offset initiatives. His appeal was made during an art exhibition in Lagos featuring Dr. John DeBebs, an environmentalist, and artist. The exhibition, organized by Crimson Fusion Curators, runs from March 5 to March 13, centered on the theme of climate change, mangroves, and art.

During the event, the Olu emphasized the importance of safeguarding indigenous lands and cultural heritage, highlighting the unique ecological role of mangroves in carbon absorption and climate mitigation. He stated, “They are more than just ecosystems; they are the lungs of our heritage,” further asserting that outsiders threaten local sovereignty through economic exploitation.

Curator Oriiz Onuwaje underscored the beauty and value of the mangroves amidst the narrative of disaster in the Niger Delta. He suggested that while there is a focus on the Amazon’s crisis, the Niger Delta mangroves hold equal, if not greater, significance. Onuwaje described mangroves as an engineering marvel that stabilizes the interface between land and water.

Dr. DeBebs explained that his artworks are inspired by the crucial environmental functions of mangroves, promoting awareness of their role in purifying the atmosphere through carbon absorption. He hopes that increased public understanding will foster initiatives to protect these vital ecosystems from destruction.

In summary, the call by the Olu of Warri for the protection of Niger Delta mangroves highlights the need for local communities to guard their cultural and environmental heritage against external exploitation. The art exhibition serves as a platform to raise awareness of the ecological significance of mangroves, underscoring their importance for climate stability. Collaborative efforts among local authorities and environmentalists are essential to ensure the conservation of these vital ecosystems.

Original Source: nannews.ng