Towards a framework for mangrove restoration and conservation in Nigeria

Mangroves are significant sinks for organic carbon, and there is increased interest to restoring and conserving them for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. However, mangrove ecosystems are significantly threatened by anthropogenic factors, resulting in mangrove loss at an unprecedented rate and scale. In contrast to the global trend of reducing mangrove loss, mangroves in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, the hub of Africa’s largest expanse of mangroves, are being significantly degraded, primarily by human activities. This will continuously limit the capacity of the region to contribute to, and achieve carbon neutrality, create decent jobs for the local population, provide ecosystem goods and services, and enhance sustainable development goals. This research initiates a conceptual framework to inspire and drive sustainable mangrove restoration and conservation in the Niger Delta, and other regions where mangrove restoration is in its early stages due to lack of enabling policies Leveraging the recently launched Principles for Ecosystem Restoration to guide the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), we discussed broadly the contextual preconditions for sustainable mangrove restoration and adaptive management. To achieve the no-net-loss targets of global conservation, integrative knowledge and policy-driven restoration, co-management and bespoke community science regimes, economic and energy diversification, and an effective oil spill management contingency plan are outlined as the key enablers.