Learn more about Delta Azure’s mission, impact, and how you can get involved.

The Delta Azure project is an innovative initiative, focused on the restoration and conservation of Nigeria’s critical mangrove ecosystems in Delta State and Rivers State. Spanning over 520,000 hectares of mangroves, with an additional 35,000 hectares identified for afforestation and 375,000 hectares of seagrass for protection and restoration, our project integrates environmental restoration with community-led sustainability efforts. 

We will also be working with farmers to improve the soil heath of 82,000 hectares of farm land and produce over 600,000 tonnes of biochar to rehabilitate soils and improve agricultural yields and remediate oil-damaged lands. 

Mangroves play a vital role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity. They act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion, while also serving as nursery habitats for marine life. Mangroves are incredibly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide, making them critical for climate change mitigation. By restoring these ecosystems, we contribute to both environmental resilience and community well-being.

Community engagement is at the heart of the Delta Azure project. We work closely with over 135 local communities to ensure they are involved in and benefit from conservation efforts. Through initiatives like beekeeping, oyster farming, and biochar production, we provide sustainable livelihood opportunities that reduce pressure on the mangroves while improving economic resilience. Additionally, our citizen science app empowers locals to monitor and protect their environment.

The Carbon Mosaic is a holistic strategy that integrates mangrove and seagrass restoration with sustainable farming and biochar production. This approach not only helps sequester carbon and protect biodiversity, but also supports local communities by creating sustainable economic opportunities. By addressing environmental and socio-economic factors together, the Carbon Mosaic ensures a lasting impact on both the ecosystem and the people who rely on it.

There are many ways to get involved! You can volunteer, donate, partner with us, or advocate for the project. Volunteers can help with on-the-ground efforts like mangrove planting or contribute remotely by assisting with awareness campaigns and fundraising. Donations directly support our restoration and community initiatives, while partnerships with businesses and organizations help us scale our impact. Visit our Get Involved page for more information on how you can contribute.

One of the major challenges faced by the Delta’s mangrove ecosystems is pollution from oil spills. We tackle this issue through bioremediation methods, such as the use of biochar to clean up contaminated soils and water. Our citizen science app allows community members to report oil spills in real-time, enabling a faster response to mitigate damage. By combining community action with technological solutions, we aim to restore and protect these critical ecosystems.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured by coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes. These ecosystems store carbon at higher rates than most land-based forests, making them essential in the fight against climate change. Delta Azure’s efforts to restore mangroves contribute to increased carbon sequestration, helping mitigate global warming while protecting biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Delta Azure is funded through a combination of private donations, corporate partnerships, and grants from environmental organizations. We also generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits produced by the carbon sequestered in our restored mangroves. These funds are reinvested into the project to support ongoing restoration efforts, community engagement, and research initiatives.

Carbon credits represent the reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide (or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases) from the atmosphere. At Delta Azure, our restored mangroves sequester large amounts of carbon, which allows us to generate and sell carbon credits. These credits are purchased by businesses and organizations looking to offset their carbon emissions, providing a financial return that supports further environmental and community-focused activities.

Biochar is a carbon-rich product made from organic materials like agricultural waste or invasive plant species, such as Nipa palms. In the Delta Azure project, biochar is used for bioremediation to help clean up oil-contaminated soils, improve soil fertility for sustainable farming, and enhance ecosystem restoration efforts. Biochar helps improve water quality and promotes the recovery of degraded ecosystems, all while providing an eco-friendly product that benefits local communities.