No fewer than 46 community forest rangers have been trained by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., with the aim of safeguarding the fragile Taylor Creek Forest.
This was made known by Mr. Adedamola Ogunsesan, Director of Technical Programmes, NCF, in a statement issued and signed by Mr. Olusomi Oduguwa, Media and Communications Manager, NCF.
He said that the partnership, which was in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Government, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Ogunsesan noted that the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, had deepened implementation of the Gbaran-Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
He said that the initiative spanned 23 forest-dependent communities across four clans, which are Okordia, Zarama, Biseni, and Tarakiri, within Yenagoa and Sagbama Local Government Areas, Bayelsa.
“It is designed as a long-term programme to conserve biodiversity, empower host communities, and reduce pressure on the environment through sustainable alternatives.
“So far, the project has engaged and trained 46 community forest rangers across 26 communities.
“This has equipped them with skills in patrols, forest governance, tree nursery establishment, and sustainable forest management.
“The rangers have also raised and nurtured over 16,500 indigenous tree seedlings, now successfully planted across Taylor Creek Forest communities, reinforcing ecological resilience and contributing to climate action,” he said.
The NCF director added that more than 150 beneficiaries had been empowered in small-scale enterprises, including aquaculture, beekeeping, animal rearing and cassava cultivation.
“Starter packs such as collapsible fishponds, fingerlings, goats, and improved cassava cuttings have been distributed, creating green jobs and reducing community dependence on unsustainable forest practices,” he said.
Ogunsesan also highlighted the significance of linking conservation with people-centered development.
“What makes this project unique is the balance between protecting biodiversity and improving local livelihoods.
“By restoring the forest and supporting households with alternative sources of income, we are demonstrating that conservation and community prosperity can go hand-in-hand,” he said.
The statement quoted the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Douye Diri, as emphasising that the project marked a new phase of community-driven environmental stewardship.
Diri, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ben Ololo, said, “This project represents a turning point in how we manage our natural resources in Bayelsa.
“Beyond planting trees, we are nurturing a culture of responsibility and resilience in our communities.
“By empowering rangers and supporting alternative livelihoods, we are safeguarding Taylor Creek Forest for our children and generations to come,” he said.
The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the programme, adding that the Biodiversity Action Plan was about people, livelihoods, and the shared future of Bayelsa communities.
By Olaitan Idris