The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Bayelsa State are joining forces to conserve the biodiversity of the Taylor Creek Forest Reserve in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by Mrs. Gladys Afam-Anadu, Shell’s Media Relations Manager, quoting Igo Weli, SPDC Director and Head, Corporate Relations.
The statement said Shell and Bayelsa State recently inaugurated the Gbaran Biodiversity Action Plan, with more than 150 people from communities within the forest reserve being trained in alternative livelihood skills to reduce the exploitation of the forest.
It further disclosed that the trainees acquired skills in aquaculture, bee keeping, goat rearing, snail and cassava/plantain farming and grasscutter technology and were given starter-packs to start their businesses.
“SPDC is well placed to contribute to the protection of Taylor Creek Forest Reserve having successfully implemented similar programmes at Gele-Gele and Urhonigbe Forest Reserves in Edo State.
“With the support of our joint venture partners – NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies and Nigeria Agip Oil Company, we have decided to embark on the latest biodiversity action plan to continue to support the government and people of Bayelsa State.
“This is to maintain the balance of nature at Taylor Creek,” the statement said
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The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben-Ololo commended Shell for its commitment to the action plan.
He said the state government is interested in the success of the project and is ready to provide support.
The commissioner said that strict laws would be enforced against illegal logging, stressing that the measure will provide sanity in the protection of the environment.
He advised the trainees against selling their starter- packs, adding that “together, let us forge ahead with determination and resolve, united in our mission to protect and nurture the rich biodiversity of our land.
“May our collective efforts yield fruitful results and serve as a beacon of hope for a greener and more sustainable future.”
