Ubeji Freshwater Biodiversity Recovery and Youth Livelihoods Initiative
Biome Conserve Initiative is a youth-led, registered non-profit based in Delta State, Nigeria, dedicated to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community-centered sustainability. Our Roots Established in 2021 by young researchers following an aquatic ecology study of the Warri River; an area threatened by pollution and habitat degradation. Our Approach We combine youth leadership, local stewardship, and evidence-based approaches to restore ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods, strengthen environmental education, and support conservation outcomes across freshwater, coastal, and riverine landscapes. Our Impact Through collaborative partnerships with communities and schools, we are nurturing a new generation of environmental leaders while advancing practical conservation solutions.
Project story
Our project was inspired by years of ecological research and conservation work within the Ubeji Axis of the Warri River in Delta State, Nigeria. During field activities, we observed severe oil pollution, heavy metal contamination, biodiversity decline, and increasing pressure on indigenous freshwater prawns and fishes that support local livelihoods and food systems. Our previous work focused on ex-situ conservation, community training, and sustainable harvesting of freshwater prawns within the region, engaging over 100 youth and community members through conservation and aquaculture activities.
We now aim to expand this work into a more integrated freshwater restoration and conservation model. Over the next 12 months, the project will establish three (3) floating river cage systems with macrophyte buffer zones, develop three (3) ex-situ hatchery tanks for indigenous prawn and fish conservation, and introduce Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based sustainable feed systems. We will also implement phytoremediation activities and train at least 150 youth and local stakeholders in conservation, biomonitoring, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
The project aims to strengthen freshwater biodiversity conservation, reduce pressure on wild aquatic populations, and promote sustainable livelihoods within vulnerable riverine communities.
Project updates
Team
Ubeji Freshwater Biodiversity Recovery and Youth Livelihoods Initiative
Biome Conserve Initiative is a youth-led, registered non-profit based in Delta State, Nigeria, dedicated to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community-centered sustainability. Our Roots Established in 2021 by young researchers following an aquatic ecology study of the Warri River; an area threatened by pollution and habitat degradation. Our Approach We combine youth leadership, local stewardship, and evidence-based approaches to restore ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods, strengthen environmental education, and support conservation outcomes across freshwater, coastal, and riverine landscapes. Our Impact Through collaborative partnerships with communities and schools, we are nurturing a new generation of environmental leaders while advancing practical conservation solutions.
Project story
Our project was inspired by years of ecological research and conservation work within the Ubeji Axis of the Warri River in Delta State, Nigeria. During field activities, we observed severe oil pollution, heavy metal contamination, biodiversity decline, and increasing pressure on indigenous freshwater prawns and fishes that support local livelihoods and food systems. Our previous work focused on ex-situ conservation, community training, and sustainable harvesting of freshwater prawns within the region, engaging over 100 youth and community members through conservation and aquaculture activities.
We now aim to expand this work into a more integrated freshwater restoration and conservation model. Over the next 12 months, the project will establish three (3) floating river cage systems with macrophyte buffer zones, develop three (3) ex-situ hatchery tanks for indigenous prawn and fish conservation, and introduce Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based sustainable feed systems. We will also implement phytoremediation activities and train at least 150 youth and local stakeholders in conservation, biomonitoring, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
The project aims to strengthen freshwater biodiversity conservation, reduce pressure on wild aquatic populations, and promote sustainable livelihoods within vulnerable riverine communities.
Project updates
Team
Location
Nigeria