Renaissance Africa Energy and Bayelsa government have commenced the planting of 15,000 additional trees to regenerate the Taylor Creek Forest Reserves in Bayelsa.
The planting of the 15,000 trees which began June 5 as part activities marking the World Environment Day will last till June 4,2026 before the next World Environment Day.
It was learnt that the oil firm in conjunction with Bayelsa government had earlier planted 10,000 trees.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Yenagoa, Dr Igo Weli, General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa noted that the company remains committed to preservation and remediating the rich biodiversity of the Niger Delta region where it operates.
Renaissance Africa had in March 2025 acquired the onshore and shallow water assets previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
Weli, who was represented by Mr Hope Nuka, Corporate Relations Manager said the tree planting project was part of the energy firm’s Gbarain Biodiversity Action Plan as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day.
“At Renaissance Africa Energy Company, we have a committment towards the improvement of the Bayelsa State environment and forestry because the state is an important stakeholder in our business operations.
“Our commitment remains to integrate biodiversity conservations into our business. So we have a cognate track record in the committment,” he said.
He recalled that the company had facilitated the training of 46 forest guards as well as the empowerment of more than 150 community members who hitherto depended on the forest reserves with alternative income opportunities.
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According to Weli, the conservation projects are being implemented by two non Governmental organisations, SHEDA and Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Also speaking, Mr Ebi Ben-Ololo, Bayelsa Commissioner of Environment who alongside representatives of Renaissance Africa Energy planted trees at the Taylor Creek Forest Reserves commended the company for prioritising environmental conservation.
He noted that tree planting was fundamental to tackling the adverse impact of climate change and global warming.
In his remarks, Dr Usman Shitu, Climate Change Lead at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation commended Renaissance for embarking on the remediation project with the NCF.
He noted that oil exploration and production activities are known to adversely affect the environment adding that the project showed that Renaissance Africa Energy Company operates in an environmentally sustainable manner.
