Legal Examination Form Management and Protection of Mangrove Forests in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Onovo Sunday Afamefuna1, Iwori Andy Imabibo

Abstract: The vast space covered by the mangrove forests in the Niger Delta, plays vital roles in the lives of the people, the economy of the region and the world at large, and climate stability. Going green was a term used years back to encourage everyone to plant a tree within various houses to aid in the fight against climate change, but more often than not, we realise that destruction of the mangrove for personal reasons thrive more than building same for the good of all. This article examined the legal measures adopted for the protection of mangrove forests in the Niger Delta. The doctrinal research method was used, and it was discovered that despite the legal interventions for the protection of the mangrove forests in Niger Delta, many are still involved in felling and destruction of the mangrove for personal reasons. One of the reasons for this as highlighted by the article is the archaic and not-improving legislations in the Niger Delta. It was accordingly recommended that the Niger Delta states come together to enact a regional treaty that will put to an end arbitrary and unjustifiable felling and degradation of the mangrove. In addition, a regional taskforce should be established to implement the provisions of the treaty, and prosecute those found wanting.

Keywords: Mangrove, Climate change, Management, Protection