Wetlands International, To Empower N’Delta Farmers

Wetlands International
(WI) through her regional office in Nigeria plans to assist a number of Niger Delta communities in alleviating poverty and sustaining their wetlands eco-system services through incentive systems such as Bio-Rights.
The Bio-Right is a microcredit finance mechanism that combines poverty reduction and environmental improvement through the restoration and conservation of land to help farmers in the region increase their yield.
The funds provided to the farmers in the local communities would enable them to be actively involved in the conservation of the land on which they (farmers) are expected to cultivate at a given time.
This in return for this support is to refrain from unsustainable agric practices.
Micro-credits are converted into definitive payments upon successful delivery of conservation and restoration services at the end of a contracting period with farmers and other stakeholders.
The actions have economic value for the farmers including environmental benefits not only for the local people but at the global level as well, according to a statement obtained by our correspondent from the Bayelsa State Environment Ministry.
For instance, replanting mangrove forests can increase fish stocks locally while storing carbon  helps limit climate charge globally.
Bio-right is thus able to bridge the gap between local and global interests.
On June 19, 2015, WI disbursed funds through Wetland Micro Finance Bank, Warri Delta State to 25 sustainable livelihoods and Biodiversity Project (SLBP) beneficiaries in Obiayagha community in Ugheli South Local Government Council of Delta State.
Also, on June 23, and June 24,2015, WI gave out funds through Equator Micro Finance Bank, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to 14 SLBP beneficiaries in Abobiri community and 21 SLBP beneficiaries in Opume community both in Ogbia LGA all in efforts to improve the livelihood of farmers and sustain the environment.
The Director of Forestry and Conservation, Delta State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Obi-ebi Emamezi chaired the disbursement ceremony in Obiayagha while that of Abobiri and Opume  communities was chaired by the director of forestry and conservation Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, Chief Claude Eze.
Bio-Right approach unites the conservation and the development aspirations of NGOs, governments private sector and local communities alike.
Projects in the fields have proved that Bio-Rights serve as a powerful tool that address the major agricultural and environmental challenges of our age, including climate change and bio diversity loss.