Mangrove Forests in Nigeria: Why Their Restoration, Rehabilitation and Conservation Matters

Abstract:

Mangrove forests, those specialised group of plants that have adapted to living in the fringe of land between the sea and the land, along coasts and riverbanks where fresh and saltwater meet are found in only tropical and sub-tropical nations and territories. These forests representing less than 1% of all tropical forests and less than 0.4% of the total global forest estate, are among the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide numerous goods and environmental services, including many of the resources upon which coastal communities depend for their survival and livelihood. Although Nigeria has a sizeable contiguous mangrove forest ecosystem - the largest in Africa and the third-largest in the world – but this forest is presently facing a severe threat of decimation. Lack of awareness and understanding regarding the functions performed by an intact mangrove forest ecosystem by Nigerians is majorly responsible. As a way of arousing Nigerians’ consciousness to the vital need for mangrove forest conservation, this paper tried to highlight the crucial functions performed by an intact mangrove forest ecosystem. Nigerians will only be able to tap from the immense values inherent in the mangrove forest ecosystem with the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of mangrove forests in the country.