NCF, Renaissance Africa support forest protection in Bayelsa

In a decisive move to safeguard the fragile Taylor Creek Forest and promote sustainable livelihoods in Bayelsa State, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited), in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, has intensified the implementation of the Gbaran-Biodiversity Action Plan.

The programme, which covers 23 forest-dependent communities across four clans—Okordia, Zarama, Biseni, and Tarakiri—in Yenagoa and Sagbama Local Government Areas, is designed as a long-term intervention to conserve biodiversity, empower host communities, and reduce environmental pressure through sustainable alternatives, according to a statement from the NCF on Monday.

Central to the initiative is the deployment of community forest rangers.

So far, 46 rangers drawn from 26 communities have been trained and equipped with skills in forest patrols, governance, tree nursery establishment, and sustainable forest management. These rangers have successfully raised more than 16,500 indigenous tree seedlings, now planted across Taylor Creek Forest communities. The trees are expected to restore degraded areas, reinforce ecological resilience, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

The rangers’ activities are not only strengthening forest protection but also embedding local ownership in biodiversity conservation. By training locals as rangers, the programme ensures that forest governance is rooted in the very communities that depend on these ecosystems for survival.

Beyond reforestation, the project places strong emphasis on reducing communities’ reliance on unsustainable practices such as indiscriminate logging and bush burning. More than 150 beneficiaries have already been empowered with small-scale enterprises, including aquaculture, beekeeping, livestock rearing, and cassava cultivation.

Starter packs such as collapsible fishponds, fingerlings, goats, beehives, and improved cassava cuttings have been distributed. These interventions are creating green jobs, boosting food security, and reducing the economic necessity for harmful forest exploitation. In the long run, the initiative is expected to transform local economies while simultaneously protecting biodiversity.

Speaking at one of the commemorative events, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ololo, who represented Governor Douye Diri, commended the project as a milestone in environmental stewardship.

“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,” Ololo stated.

The state government has also reinforced the Biodiversity Action Plan with bold policy measures. Most notably, it has suspended all logging activities across Bayelsa, citing uncontrolled deforestation, illegal wood smuggling, biodiversity loss, and the absence of reforestation efforts as major drivers of environmental degradation. This suspension signals the government’s determination to protect forests as a shared heritage for present and future generations.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the implementing partner of the project, underscored the significance of linking environmental protection with community development.

Director of Technical Programmes at NCF, Mr Adedamola Ogunsesan, remarked: “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.”

His remarks highlight the strategic approach of the Biodiversity Action Plan—integrating ecological protection with social and economic empowerment to ensure sustainability and community buy-in.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, which initiated and continues to fund the programme, reaffirmed its long-term commitment.

Biodiversity Lead at Renaissance Africa Energy, Charles Akhideno, said, “At Renaissance Africa Energy, we see environmental stewardship as central to our operations. The Biodiversity Action Plan is not just about conservation—it is about people, livelihoods, and the shared future of Bayelsa communities. We remain committed to working with government, NCF, and local stakeholders to deliver lasting impact for both the environment and the people who depend on it.”

His assurance underlines the role of corporate responsibility in shaping sustainable futures for resource-dependent regions.

The Gbaran-Biodiversity Action Plan is designed as an eight-year programme, giving it both structure and longevity. Through its multifaceted interventions—from tree planting and ranger engagement to livelihood diversification—the initiative is already delivering tangible results.

Communities are beginning to see the benefits of conservation not only in environmental recovery but also in improved economic opportunities. For forest-dependent households in Bayelsa, the project offers both immediate support and long-term security.