{
  "id": 6186677,
  "title": "Ogoniland Gets International Wetland Status as Ramsar Certificate Presented",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/ogoniland-gets-international-wetland-status-as-ramsar-certificate",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-07T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/08/ogoniland-gets-international-wetland-status-as-ramsar-certificate-presented/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Port Harcourt, the Ogoniland wetlands have been officially recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, receiving a Ramsar Certificate from the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal. The ceremony marked the 10th anniversary of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and took place at the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The Ramsar designation, described as a major milestone in Ogoniland's environmental history, highlights the ecological significance of the area's wetlands and coastal ecosystems. The recipient of the certificate, Chief Lesi Maol, emphasized that Ogoni has the longest coastline and shoreline in Africa, starting from Opuoko in Khana LGA to Akpajo in Eleme LGA. The Ramsar status recognizes the wetlands' crucial roles in flood control, water purification, carbon storage, coastal protection, and supporting fisheries and livelihoods in the region. This designation, the 18th in Nigeria, is particularly significant as it is the first time a Ramsar certificate is being presented to four local government areas in one contiguous area. The development underscores Ogoniland's wetlands and coastline's national and international importance and reflects progress in environmental restoration and sustainable management under HYPREP.",
  "summary": "Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Ogoniland wetlands have received international recognition with the formal presentation of a Ramsar Certificate designating the area as a Wetland of International Importance. The",
  "key_points": [
    "Ogoniland wetlands receive Ramsar Certificate from Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal",
    "Ceremony marks 10th anniversary of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project",
    "Designation highlights ecological significance of Ogoniland's wetlands and coastlines"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}