The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (‘the JV), in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Afforestation, Livelihood Enhancement, and Carbon Sequestration, (ALEC) has announced plan plant 500,000 trees over a five-year period.
The group made this known during the partnership signing on Monday in Lagos, adding that the initiative will work to combat critical issues of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change in 11 littoral communities of Bayelsa state, while simultaneously enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the local population.
Executive Director Corporate Services FIRST E&P, Mr. Emmanuel Etomi, said the project marks a pivotal step in the journey towards a sustainable future.
“By restoring the vital ecosystems of our host communities, we are not only addressing a critical environmental need but also empowering local communities with new economic opportunities.
“This project exemplifies the powerful synergy between environmental stewardship and community development, underscoring our deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact.”
According to the group, in Nigeria, the situation calls for immediate action, with an estimated 70 to 80% of the nation’s original forests already lost due to unsustainable logging and agricultural expansion, as reported by Global Forest Watch and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, remarked, “We are very excited about this project because it aligns with our strategic pillars, such as habitat restoration, tackling the climate crisis, and species conservation.