Mangrove Conservation: London-Based Environmental Investment Firm, Serendib, Signs MoU With DELSU

By Daniel Dafe

A London-based environmental investment business with twenty years of experience in investing across different asset classes, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU).

Oasis Magazine gathered that the MoU with DELSU, a leading academic institution that is committed to excellence in education and research, is for a five-year period.

The partnership borne out of the importance of protecting and preserving the mangrove ecosystems in Nigeria and acknowledging the significant ecological, economic, and social benefits these ecosystems provide, aims to establish a state-of-the-art environmental laboratory at DELSU for the purpose of conducting soil sampling tests and analyses related to mangrove soil carbon, seagrass and biochar.

This laboratory will focus on soil sampling and analyses in support of mangrove conservation efforts, in alignment with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) objectives.

While the investment firm will provide the necessary funding and technical expertise for the establishment of the laboratory at DELSU, the institution will provide the space, infrastructure, and administrative support for the laboratory.

ALSO READ: IGP Holds Virtual Meeting With Falana, Ebun, Members Of Take It Back Movement

Meanwhile, a source told this online platform that the laboratory will adhere to international standards and best practices in environmental testing and analysis.Adding that the firm and DELSU will jointly develop research projects focused on the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems.

“The results of the research will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building,” the source added.

Meanwhile, DELSU is expected to provide training and capacity-building programs for students and researchers in environmental science and related fields, just as Serendib will support these programs by providing expert trainers and financial resources.

Both parties are to work towards contributing to global climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts through their research and conservation activities.

At the signing event, Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Rizvi Rafat Ali represented Serendib Capital Limited, while Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Andy O. Egwunyenga represented DELSU.

The occasion that took place in Warri was witnessed by Chief Operating Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Christian Chibueze Elemele and Director, Centre for Research and International Programmes (CRIP), DELSU, Prof. Jonathan Tsetimi.