Mangrove loss is making the Niger Delta more vulnerable: we built a model that can track how the forests are doing

Mangroves offer natural protection against flooding. Without them, communities are left vulnerable.

By: Chinomnso Onwubiko, University of Cape Coast, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 13, 2026

Words: 989

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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By Chinomnso Onwubiko, University of Cape Coast

Rivers State on Nigeria’s coastline has some of Africa’s largest mangrove ecosystems. The Niger Delta itself contains the third-largest mangrove forest in the world. These trees support fisheries, biodiversity and the livelihoods of thousands of people.

The Niger Delta region is also the heart of the country’s oil and gas industry. Decades of oil exploration and production have altered its landscape. Pipeline construction, dredging (when sand …

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