Our mission is clear: to restore, protect, and sustainably manage Nigeria’s mangrove ecosystems while empowering local communities to take charge of their future. We believe that the health of the environment and the well-being of people are interconnected, and by restoring the natural balance, we can create lasting benefits for both.
Spanning across 520,000 hectares of existing mangroves, with 30,000 hectares identified for afforestation and a further 470,000 hectares of seagrass for protection and restoration, Delta Azure focuses on enhancing biodiversity, boosting carbon sequestration, and supporting local economies through sustainable practices. Furthermore, we will introduce 82,000 hectares of sustainable agriculture and generate 610,000 t/y of biochar. Our efforts are centered on Delta State and Rivers State, where these unique mangroves play a critical role in both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the communities that rely on them.
The Carbon Mosaic strategy is at the heart of Delta Azure. It’s a holistic approach that integrates mangrove and seagrass restoration, sustainable farming, and biochar production, creating a synergy that amplifies ecological and community benefits. This model ensures that restoration efforts go hand in hand with improving local livelihoods, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing climate change.
By engaging local communities, Delta Azure is transforming these areas into carbon sinks that sequester greenhouse gases while offering economic opportunities through innovative solutions like beekeeping, oyster farming, and biochar production. The result? A resilient ecosystem that supports both nature and people.
Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. They act as natural barriers, protecting coastal areas from storms and erosion, while also providing nursery habitats for a wide range of marine species. But their importance goes beyond just biodiversity—they are also powerful carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon, which helps in mitigating the effects of climate change.
In Delta State and Rivers State, mangroves have long supported local communities, providing wood for construction, areas for fishing, and resources for agriculture. However, these critical ecosystems are under threat due to pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. Delta Azure aims to reverse this trend through targeted restoration and conservation efforts.
At Delta Azure, we know that successful environmental restoration must include the people who live in and around the mangroves. That’s why community engagement is at the core of everything we do. Our project works with over 135 local communities to ensure that they are not only involved but empowered to lead in conservation efforts.
From citizen science apps that allow locals to monitor the health of the mangroves, to sustainable livelihood programs like biochar production and beekeeping, we are committed to providing tools, knowledge, and economic opportunities that benefit both the environment and the people. Through this collaboration, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring that the benefits of the project are long-lasting and sustainable.
The challenges we face in restoring the mangroves are significant, but so are the rewards. Delta Azure is not just about planting trees—it’s about creating a blueprint for how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with economic development and community empowerment.
Currently, Delta State and Rivers State have signed-up to the project. We hope that Lagos State and Bayelsa State will join soon.
Through our innovative approach and strong partnerships with local communities, academic institutions, and global experts, we aim to set new standards for blue carbon projects and reshape the future of mangrove conservation on a global scale.
