By Abbas Nazil
No fewer than 46 community forest rangers have been trained by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd. to protect and restore the fragile Taylor Creek Forest in Bayelsa State.
According to Mr. Adedamola Ogunsesan, Director of Technical Programmes at NCF, the initiative was carried out in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government and designed to promote sustainable livelihoods while strengthening biodiversity conservation.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, has been driving the Gbaran-Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) across 23 forest-dependent communities in Yenagoa and Sagbama Local Government Areas.
The project, spanning four clans — Okordia, Zarama, Biseni, and Tarakiri — aims to empower communities and reduce environmental pressure through sustainable alternatives.
Ogunsesan explained that the trained rangers have acquired skills in forest patrols, governance, nursery establishment, and sustainable forest management.
They have successfully raised and planted more than 16,500 indigenous tree seedlings across Taylor Creek communities, reinforcing ecological resilience and contributing to climate action.
Beyond conservation, the project has empowered over 150 beneficiaries with small-scale enterprises, including aquaculture, beekeeping, livestock rearing, and cassava farming.
Starter packs such as fishponds, fingerlings, goats, and improved cassava cuttings have been distributed to reduce reliance on unsustainable practices and create green jobs.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by Commissioner for Environment, Ben Ololo, described the programme as a turning point in natural resource management.
He stressed that the initiative is not just about tree planting but about nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility and resilience for future generations.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the programme, highlighting that the Biodiversity Action Plan is focused on people, livelihoods, and the shared future of Bayelsa communities.